Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Lithuania
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Lithuania (Extract 2)
The only way to effectively address this scourge is a comprehensive and integrated approach on the international, regional and national levels, which entails prevention, early warning, justice and accountability, participation of women in political processes, and their political, social and economic empowerment.
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Lithuania (Extract 3)
Lithuania continuously underlines the importance of the Secretary-General’s efforts to put emphasis on conflict prevention, preventive diplomacy, peacebuilding and sustaining peace. The overarching priority of prevention should be at the forefront of our fight against sexual violence in conflict – we should look for early warning indicators to identify potential conflict situations.
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Lithuania (Extract 4)
Having strong national institutions and adequate judiciary and penal framework to this end is essential, as is making sure that national civilian and military justice systems don’t lack national capacity and expertise to prevent, investigate and prosecute sexual violence. With political will and professional assistance, national governments can halt sexual violence in conflict by holding perpetrators to account and delivering justice to victims.
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Lithuania (Extract 5)
Another vital issue we should address is care for and protection of survivors of sexual violence. Sexual violence affects entire generations, with stigma on women and their children having lasting repercussions. Public, religious, and community leaders can personally engage in helping to shift the stigma from the victims of sexual abuse to the perpetrators of those heinous crimes. Victims must have access to justice, accountability and redress mechanisms in order to assure their reintegration into respective societies.
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Lithuania (Extract 6)
All Member States should redouble their efforts to implement SDG 5, in achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls to become actors rather than victims in their societies. All countries should review and revoke any discriminatory laws and practices as well as challenge stereotypes that hinder women’s empowerment.