Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Italy

... the increased vulnerability of migrants, especially women and girls, to trafficking for the purposes of sexual and other forms of exploitation. Women and girls fleeing conflict must be afforded safe passage and protection, including from sexual and gender-based violence, while in transit and at their final destinations.

In keeping with the Secretary-General’s commitment to women’s leadership and gender equality as a vital element of his prevention agenda, Italy launched the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network. The Mediterranean region, as we all know, is key to international peace and security, is currently facing a number of threats, including violent extremism, transnational organized crime, human trafficking and humanitarian emergencies. In such a context, women can effectively help countries prevent conflicts and strengthen national reconciliation processes by ensuring a gendered and inclusive perspective on issues such as security, justice and governance, which are often the root causes of violent conflicts. The Network is specifically aiming at increasing the number of women involved in peacemaking efforts, and at facilitating the appointment of women mediators and Special Envoys at a local and international level, notably in the Mediterranean region.