Peacekeeping

Protection of women and their participation in all parts of society are two sides of the same medal. Resolution 1325 clearly stipulates that women must be seen as active players whose contributions in all aspects of peace-building and peace-keeping processes are absolutely essential for the (re-) construction of societies and in achieving sustainable peace and development.

Besides action being undertaken by member states, the United Nations as a whole has an important role to play in the implementation of resolution 1325.We are of the opinion that partnerships between member states and between member states and the United Nations are crucial.

As it seeks to fulfil the vital commitments contained in these resolutions, the Government of the Gambia, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has embarked on a series of actions and has been guided by the slogan “From commitment to action”. Key among these actions are the following.

Everyone agrees that women and children are the main targets of armed conflict. They make up the majority of refugees and displaced persons in the world. Violence against women and girls is a flagrant violation of human rights. Those responsible for such heinous crimes should be prosecuted and brought to justice.

The adoption of this resolution has marked a historic step in the United Nations consideration of the participation of women in the peace process and the strengthening of protection for women and girls from violence in conflict and post-conflict situations.

Operationally, the important contribution of women in the various areas of peacekeeping operations is an achievement that deserves to be noted, as Ms. Bachelet and Mr. Le Roy have done so well. I would like to reaffirm here that the readiness of Gabon to continue to work closely with the United Nations and other Member States in order to assume its share of the responsibility in strengthening the progress achieved thus far.

In more general terms, France will continue its efforts to integrate into peacekeeping operations the approach recommended in resolution 1325 (2000) and to convince parties to conflict themselves to do the same in their peace processes.

France is fully playing its role in these efforts, as reflected in its adoption of a national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000).

Participation of both women and men in peacekeeping, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction is crucial for the sustainability of their ultimate objective: peace. Let me be clear: full and equal participation is important for the delivery of the mandates that this Council has provided. Recent study from Afghanistan showed that women's participation in Provincial Reconstruction Teams benefitted their operational effectiveness.

It can be done. Before initiating our Plan in (September) 2007, women formed 19% of our seconded experts deployed in civilian positions of peace operations. Through consistent efforts we have increased the proportion to a high of 34% last August.