Statement of the Switzerland at the May 15 Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict
Displacement
First of all, although sexual violence affects a cross section of the population, certain factors contribute to greater vulnerability. Forced displacement and migration increase the risk of abuse and exploitation. Reports from refugees and migrants arriving in Europe suggest that many women and girls have been sexually exploited upon their flight from conflict situations. At last year’s open debate on conflict-related sexual violence (see S/PV.7704) we referred to the need to protect women and girls when they are forcibly displaced or travelling along migration routes. Sadly, that concern persists. Sexual violence in all its forms is also a driver of displacement and a risk factor for people on migration routes and being displaced. The same holds true for boys and men.
Over the next two years, United Nations States Members will negotiate a new framework for global migration governance. The global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration offers an opportunity to include some of the issues of this debate in the discourse on global migration. The thematic debate on trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and to be held in Vienna in September 2017 is one of many platforms for addressing those issues.
HR
Thirdly, we are pleased that the Secretary General’s report makes an important reference to sexual and reproductive health. We have addressed that topic in previous debates, but the issue is no less pressing today. It is our duty to ensure that women and girls affected by conflict have access to a wide range of quality sexual and reproductive health services, including services to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence.
In that context, among other things, Switzerland currently supports a psychosocial care programme in the Great Lakes region. Its objective is to address sexual and gender-based violence in a comprehensive manner at the individual, local and institutional levels. The programme includes medical, psychological and legal services, and also helps to reintegrate victims into their communities. Between 2011 and 2016, almost 60,000 women enjoyed comprehensive care and support through the programme.
Participation
I take the floor on behalf of Switzerland for two reasons — first, because sexual violence primarily, though not exclusively, affects women and girls; and, secondly because, through its Permanent Representative and within the framework of the Gender Champions initiative, Switzerland has committed to increase the participation of women in the deliberations of United Nations organs, including the Security Council.