Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Pakistan (Extract 2)

In order to combat impunity for these crimes, and protect women and girls from systematic abuse, the international community needs to recalibrate its response. Let me make four specific points in this regard: One, the Security Council, as the primary body tasked with the maintenance of international peace and security, should focus on addressing the root causes of conflict to remove the grounds where such crimes breed; Two, mechanisms to independently investigate and verify reports emerging from conflict situations where sexual violence is taking place are critical to dealing with the issue; Three, we must also take concrete steps to enhance the capacity of national institutions and improve criminal justice systems in countries facing armed conflict; and four, justice does not only mean punishment for the perpetrators. It also means redress for the survivors. Victim protection and rehabilitation should remain a top priority. The stigma attached to victimhood must be redirected towards the perpetrators. They are the ones who should be made an example of, not just as retribution, but also as a preventive measure.