Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Switzerland (Extract 1)

The widespread fear of reprisals and stigma discourages people subjected to sexual violence from coming forward. Law enforcement agencies are therefore important partners in dealing with violence. Therefore, Switzerland supports police and armed forces by training them about compliance with existing legislation and how to take a victim-centred approach when handling cases of sexual violence. Often the first step is to increase public trust in the police. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we have been supporting police ‘Open Door’ days for local people. In Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Nepal, Switzerland has worked with local police forces.