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

Conflict-related sexual violence is not only a humanitarian or human rights issue, but a security issue as well. It impedes women in particular from participating in peace and political processes and in post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation. Preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence are important elements in efforts to empower women and achieve gender equality. Sexual and gender-based violence presents a barrier to women’s participation, not only in peace-related and postconflict activities but also in everyday life.