Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Kazakhstan
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Kazakhstan (Extract 1)
We absolutely agree with all the briefers today and with the report of the Secretary-General that the international community should ensure accountability for all cases of sexual violence in conflict and bring about a resolute end to impunity. State and non-State parties to a conflict must be pressured to comply with international law. States need to work with Security Council sanctions committees, which must include, where appropriate, sexual violence as designated criteria for sanctions against individuals and organized networks.
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Kazakhstan (Extract 2)
Sexual violence affects every aspect of a survivor’s life. The Secretary-General’s report underscores the fact that conflict-related sexual violence leads to the stigmatization of victims and the devastation of physical and economic security, especially of displaced, minority and rural women. Therefore, as Ms. Sultana so eloquently argued, victims should receive full, competent and speedy attention, with increased access to health care, psychosocial support, legal assistance and socioeconomic reintegration, along with improved camp management. We must support the safe, voluntary and sustainable return of displaced populations and refugees. Cooperation with religious leaders, civil society and local communities is most important in order to change extremist narratives, shift the stigma of sexual violence from the victims to the perpetrators, promote education and create awareness around the empowerment of women. The entire community often needs healing, and therefore this must be given full attention in the context of truth and reconciliation commissions and transitional justice
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Kazakhstan (Extract 3)
We strongly believe that preventing sexual exploitation and abuse by the peacekeepers should be an absolute priority, with zero tolerance for such offences. Peacekeeping missions must include protecting civilians, especially women and girls, as a fundamental element in their mandates, including greater recruitment of women military and police officers. Besides that, all troops and police contingents should have full training prior to and during deployment. We support the deployment of women’s protection advisers to peacekeeping missions, with ensured long-term and sustainable funding for their work.
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Kazakhstan (Extract 4)
Kazakhstan integrates the women and peace and security agenda in its national legislation, including formulating new strong pro-women policies that will guarantee women’s engagement in decision-making at all levels in the political and economic life of the country. Training on gender equality for the armed and security forces and deploying women in United Nations peacekeeping operations are also priorities