Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Bangladesh
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Bangladesh (Extract 1)
It is crucial that priority be given to preventing conflict-related sexual violence and that we remain committed to responding to such violence. The Special Representative’s three-pillar strategy deserves to be further discussed and elaborated on in the context of the mutually reinforcing agenda on women and peace and security, sustaining peace and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Bangladesh (Extract 2)
The culture of impunity often surrounding conflictrelated sexual violence also perpetuates the vicious cycle. In cases where the State concerned is unwilling or unable to ensure accountability and justice for such crimes, the international community, especially the Security Council, cannot avoid its responsibility. There have been resounding calls for the Council to consider referrals to the International Criminal Court and for appropriate sanctions against the entities listed in the Secretary General’s report. In particular, the Secretariat also has a responsibility to ensure that the State actors listed are barred from United Nations peacekeeping operations. The shrinking resources for protection and gender experts in peacekeeping missions must be reversed.
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Bangladesh (Extract 3)
Against the backdrop of the immediate crisis faced by the Rohingya women and girls, our authorities are moving ahead with work on developing a national action plan on women and peace and security through consultations with all the actors concerned. We look forward to continued engagement with the Special Representative’s Office and other partners to translate our plans and commitments into results-oriented action.
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Bangladesh (Extract 4)
It continues to be a race against time to ensure humanitarian assistance and protection for nearly 700,000 displaced people, the majority being women and children. Humanitarian actors have identified more than 2,000 pregnant women requiring particular attention. In general, considerable unmet needs remain in terms of providing reproductive health care and services to survivors of sexual violence and others. It will be critical for the international community to support the work of the United Nations agencies concerned and their partners by providing services to those in need.