Mr. Chair, first of all, I want to thank the special representative of the secretary-general. I had an opportunity to look at some of the recommendations that you put forward, Ms. Wallström, and I suggested your name as a witness to this committee. I am glad that you are before this committee on this very important debate we are having on the issue of sexual assault on women and children during peacekeeping operations in fragile states and in situations of conflict.
I think you set it out correctly by talking about the changing nature of war, which is now affecting civilians, not soldiers any longer, as it was in historical times. You listed five countries specifically in Africa where post-conflict rebuilding is taking place.
Maybe you could give us an assessment of what is happening on the ground. Are things improving or not improving? I am also concerned about sexual violence in terms of displaced persons in some of the camps. What is the UN doing to deal with that issue?
Could you give us an analysis of some of the initiatives that are taking place and whether you have seen progress? Are some of the initiatives that are taking place, not just by the UN but also by western countries, having much of an impact?