Peacekeeping

There is a need for more stringent regulations in combating and eliminating this menace. We would also request the Secretary General further strengthen his efforts to ensure zero tolerance of sexual exploitation and abuse in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Let me also add my voice to other speakers who had called for greater deployment of female military and police personnel to United Nations peacekeeping operations, and to provide all military and police personnel with adequate training to carry out their responsibilities. In this regard, we encourage, especiallly those who champion the importance of participation of women peacekeepers and also have the inclination and capacity, to do so.

India will be happy to contribute positively to this process. As one of the largest troop contributing countries to the United Nations, India has been conscious of its responsibility as well as training of its troops on this important issue.

India has contributed more than 100,000 peacekeepers to virtually every peacekeeping operation in the past six decades. We have necessary disciplinary provisions in place to ensure that reports of incidents of violence against women or children or civilians are dealt with firmly, swiftly and resolutely within our existing legal provisions.

India has consistently held the view that greater participation of women in the areas of conflict prevention, peace negotiations, peace keeping and post conflict reconstruction is an essential pre-requisite for lasting peace and security.

India even has the distinction of being the first country to deploy a full female peacekeeping unit of 100 personnel in Liberia in 2007. This oft cited Indian example, unfortunately still remains a rarity.

I am very pleased to represent the Government of the Republic of Hungary at this meeting and commemorate with all of you the 10th anniversary of this groundbreaking resolution.

Despite the intensified efforts made in the past decade, there remain major analytical gaps, and globally women account for only 2 per cent of military peacekeeping personnel. Another question is on how processed information can be compared among different country situations. We should also bear in mind that the structure and resourcing capabilities of UN Women will come into effect only on 1 January 2011.

It is our belief that resolution 1325 (2000) will further enhance our country's strong traditions on issues of peace and security, as exemplified through our support of peace missions and the activities of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.

Ghana welcomes the findings of the Secretary- General's report, which acknowledges the growing participation of women in decision-making and in peacekeeping operations, as well as the key role played by civil society in keeping critical issues on the development agenda and supporting women peacemakers in conflict areas.