Peacekeeping

We note with interest the establishment of a comprehensive framework dedicated to the effective implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and to holding all parties concerned accountable. Taking into account the indicators included in the annex to the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/498) should allow us to measure progress and highlight areas deserving of our attention.

The number of women appointed as Special Representatives or to other senior positions has increased since 2000, and gender advisors have been deployed in almost half of the political and peacekeeping missions. Furthermore, we have seen an increase in the participation of women in decisionmaking, as well as in the operational functions in peacekeeping operations.

Mexico believes it is crucial that the Security Council adopt a systematic gender approach in its activities and resolutions as a central element for international peace and security and not as something marginal or separate.

Women and girls are often the first victims of conflict, and they have specific needs after conflict ends that must be taken into account if the conflict is to be brought to a lasting end. It is also critical that women be more involved from the outset in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts at all levels in order to ensure their better participation in development efforts and to increase the likelihood that peace will last.

Our national plan of action also provides for an increase in the percentage of women and men, be they civilian or military, who are specifically trained in gender issues to participate in peacekeeping operations. Allow me to cite a specific example of our support.

As pointed out by the Secretary-General, Member States must ensure that their support for women's engagement in peacebuilding is consistent. While Governments have the primary responsibility to take action in their countries, when need be, they must be able to count on the predictable support of United Nations partners.

Pursuant to this resolution, Kenya has made deliberate efforts to increase the participation of women in peacekeeping missions. Currently, we have women in uniform deployed in the peace keeping missions that Kenya is participating in and we are determined to increase this number.

Kazakhstan also pays great attention to measures recommended by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) aimed at increasing the proportion of women sent by troop contributing countries, and deploying more police officers in peacekeeping operations to 20 % by 2014.

2010 marks the Tenth Anniversary of Security Council Resolution (UNSeR) 1325, which is a landmark legal and political framework that acknowledges the importance of women's participation and gender perspectives as an integral part of peace negotiations,

When conflicts break out, civilians are always under threat of violence, and the protection of women and girls is therefore an important responsibility the international community must shoulder. To that end, cooperation between peacekeeping operations and humanitarian organizations needs to be strengthened, so that the voices of the people in the area where a conflict is raging may be heard and their problems properly addressed.