Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Other important measures taken by the AU include the adoption of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, the AU Gender Policy and the launching of the African Women's Development Fund. The AU has also taken measures in the context of the Regional Economic Communities in order to give further impetus to the efforts for overall gender equality in Africa.

We are appreciative of the crucial role of the international community and thank UNAMA for their support of all national efforts toward improving the situation of women in Afghanistan. We extend our gratitude to UNIFEM for engaging women's groups in supporting authorities to improve investigation of sexual violence, thus strengthening community capacity for the prevention of such horrendous acts.

The Afghan people have suffered immensely for more than 30 years under foreign invasions, civil wars and Taliban rule. In the 1990s Afghan women were the targets of brutality and widespread violence, including gender based violence and oppression. The Taliban completely removed women from all aspects of public life, depriving them of such fundamental rights as education, and participation in both the economic and political sectors.

Resolution 1325 is not about rescuing women. It is not only about helping women who are struggling to overcome conflict, but about recognizing the unique role ofwomen as peacemakers, and creating opportunities for women to excel in leadership roles. What better place in the world to demonstrate the importance ofthis issue than Afghanistan. Afghan women are not damsels in distress. They have been victimized, but are not helpless victims.

"One place where we need better coordination, and where it is absolutely urgent, is the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where sexual and gender-based violence against civilians has reached unimaginable proportions. Last year, after visiting the DRC and meeting with women who were brutally assaulted and raped, I chaired the Council's adoption of resolution 1888 (2009), to combat sexual violence in conflict zones.

"I am pleased that the statement itself emphasizes reducing and resolving conflicts and also providing better protection to civilians from violence, including protecting women and children from sexual violence."

"These efforts must be accompanied by an increased protection of women and girls, especially from sexual violence. The Security Council has several times reaffirmed its role in fighting impunity for such violations. Let me also thank Uganda for its commitment to further advance the implementation of this landmark resolution during its presidency of the Council in the month of October.

The U.S. welcomes the conclusion of the Secretary General's report, which states that the
deployment of women in the field facilitates engagement with civilians which leads to more access
to appropriate services for women and girls and lowers the incidents of sexual violence and abuse.
We also applaud efforts by nations such as Jamaica in attaining an equal number of women and men
in their UN peacekeeping contingents.

Second, we must also increase women's participation in all aspects of building peace and security.
Security Council Resolution 1820 recognizes and highlights the need for these essential
contributions, but also points out that there is not adequate participation of women in peace
negotiations and processes. The United States believes that ensuring the full participation of

Mr. President, I appreciate the opportunity to address the Council on the issue of women, peace, and
security. The United States reiterates its commitment to working with others in the UN to prevent
the use of sexual violence as a tactic of warfare and to ensure the full participation of women in
peace processes and at all decision-making levels of the United Nations. Today I would like to
make two points.