Mr. Chairperson,
I'm reading this statement on behalf of Indonesia and my own country Sweden. We believe that it is important that the Council seizes the occasion to address Women's full enjoyment of human rights. In this regard we would like to focus our attention on the implementation of UNSC 1325 on women, peace and security.
Security Council Resolution 1325 is a landmark on the road towards gender equality and the full recognition of women's rights and of the pivotal role they play in society, not least in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, peacekeeping, peace building and post conflict situations. It reflects a coherent and holistic view of security, development and human rights perspectives. We recognize the importance of women's equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of sustainable peace and security for all, and the need to increase their role in political decision-making with regard to conflict prevention and resolution.
Some progress has been achieved since the adoption of resolution 1325 but we still have to overcome some difficult obstacles. What we need most of all now is effective political will and action by Member States and within the UN-system, since there is still a shortage of real progress on the ground. Monitoring and reporting systems must be improved in order to ensure enhanced accountability. There is a national responsibility to implement resolution 1325. Lessons learned and best practices -and even not so good experiences, so we will know what not to do -must be shared. The role of non-governmental organisations as well as the private sector including private security companies, is also crucial.
Gender expertise within missions and departments is required, but should not replace the inter-organisational dialogue, for example between DPKO, PCB, UNDP, UNIFEM and OHCHR. In this regard we would like to mention the important work conducted by the recently established Women's rights and Gender Unit within the OHCHR. We encourage the High Commissioner and her office to continue their on-going commitment to raise awareness and promote the universal ratification and implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and its Optional Protocol and the implementation of UNSC 1325.
Sweden and Indonesia stand ready to actively collaborate with UN agencies, regional organisations and all relevant stakeholders in order to further advance the implementation of Resolution 1325.
Thank you.