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

Sexual violence in conflict does not arise spontaneously. Therefore, it can be prevented if States fully use all the available tools to empower women and girls and strengthen their protection and access to justice. By investing in women and girls as essential promoters of peace and security, we must bear in mind that every national and international effort to address sexual violence in conflicts, from a prevention perspective, requires to recognize the virtuous cycle between sustaining peace, development, the rule of law and human rights.