Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Slovakia
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Slovakia (Extract 1)
Slovakia considers prevention to be the cornerstone of United Nations efforts aimed at peacebuilding and sustaining peace. The women and peace and security agenda, together with the goals of inclusivity and gender equality, definitely fits into the Secretary-General’s broader prevention agenda. The women and peace and security agenda will also be instrumental in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 5 and SDG 16, which recognize gender equality, as well as peace, justice and strong institutions, as a global development priority.
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.