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

The Security Council should look more closely at the possibility of referring cases deemed to be particularly important to the International Criminal Court, for example those involving gender-based crimes. The solid case law of international criminal tribunals relating to sexual violence can and should also be used in national proceedings against alleged perpetrators. It is equally important to address the root causes of the scourge. The Secretary-General has quite rightly stated in his report that weak State institutions, in particular justice systems, exacerbate those factors and can contribute to a climate of impunity. In a broad sense, justice systems, including investigative bodies, must adopt non-discriminatory and gender-sensitive approaches. We must not forget the importance of providing easily accessible legal aid to victims.