Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

We align ourselves with the statement to be delivered later by the representative of Sweden on behalf of the European Union. Here, I shall make additional remarks in my national capacity. Almost a decade has passed since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). We have witnessed much progress in the area of the empowerment of women.

During the past year much thought has been given in the Security Council to the issue of women and peace and security. We responded to gender concerns through resolution 1820 (2008) last year. The recently adopted resolution 1888 (2009) and resolution 1889 (2009), adopted today, all contribute to strengthening a process that began with the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000).

Additionally, the State has made efforts to ensure access to justice and special protection for women victims of displacement and sexual violence perpetrated by illegal groups. The Office of the General Prosecutor is promoting a comprehensive action strategy to uphold the fundamental rights of women victims. The programme is based on a specific methodology to address the impact of this phenomenon on Colombian women.

A few days ago, the Council adopted resolution 1888 (2009), which requests the Secretary-General to continue to submit annual reports on combating sexual violence in armed conflict.

I should like to say A few words on the peacebuilding front. The Peacebuilding Commission holds much promise for involving women and girls in designing and then operationalizing post-conflict strategies.

Finally, we would also like to raise the issue of bringing violators to justice with respect to sexual violence. As we all know, this type of violence remains rampant in conflict-affected areas. Too often, these crimes go unpunished and therefore perpetuate the cycle of sexual violence.

Canada co-sponsored both resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) on sexual violence in conflict. Both resolutions elaborate on resolution 1325 (2000) by outlining a number of concrete steps to be taken to address sexual violence more systematically.

Nine years after the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) and one year after the adoption of 1820 (2008), and despite the Security Council's repeated recommendations and appeals, post-conflict situations regrettably remain marked by the ongoing devastating impact of armed conflict on women and children.

As to the specific issue of sexual violence, my delegation welcomes the recent adoptions of resolutions 1882 (2009) and 1888 (2009), which provide for the strengthened implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008).

In conclusion, with regard to developing such national action plans, Belgium wonders whether the Peacebuilding Commission could play a more significant role in the countries in which it is active. In the Central African Republic, the Commission, chaired by Belgium, has already striven as far as possible to ensure the implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008).