Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Deputy Secretary-General

This year, in Myanmar and many other conflict situations, the widespread threat and use of sexual violence has, once again, been used as a tactic to advance military, economic and ideological objectives. And, once again, it has been a driver of massive forced displacement. Let me be clear, both genders endure the horrific brutality of sexual violence in conflict. Sexual violence is also a very common method of torture of detainees. And, in many conflicts, most detainees are men and boys. But, overall, women and girls are disproportionately affected. Gender-based discrimination is the invisible driver of most crimes of sexual violence. And, the lower a woman’s status -- in terms of health, wealth and education -- the greater is her vulnerability and exposure to harm.

Women’s Protection Advisers deployed to UN peace operations also have a leading role to play in supporting government counterparts to implement their commitments. These commitments include engaging all parties to the conflict to prevent sexual violence. And they include ensuring that survivors and civil society organizations can voice their concerns about security, protection and limitations in service-provision, and that they can help shape inclusive new policies and laws.