Statement of Pakistan at the May 15 Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict
CP
Finally, the best way to eliminate conflict-related sexual violence is to prevent and resolve conflicts in the first place. We believe that the Secretary-General’s emphasis on conflict prevention as the core of the global peace and security paradigm neatly dovetails with that approach.
PK
Multidimensional peacekeeping missions with protection mandates play a key role in combating violence against women in conflict and post-conflict situations. As a leading troop-contributing country, Pakistan remains committed to this cause. For my country, the protection of the vulnerable, including women and children, is not only a global peace and security concern but an obligation of humanity.
PB
Fourthly, the gender perspective should be fully integrated into the peacebuilding paradigm to reinforce the protection environment. This would entail not only the greater participation of women in peacekeeping mandates, but also an enhanced role for women in peace accords, stabilization and the reconstruction phases of post-conflict rehabilitation.
Displacement
Thirdly, the plight of migrant women and girls requires special attention. We must ensure that in their quest for protection and safety, these victims of conflict do not fall prey to human trafficking and abuse. We therefore support the Secretary-General’s recommendation that conflict-related sexual violence be considered grounds for asylum.
Justice
The critical challenge for the international community now is to convert political will into practical action and drive real change on the ground. The effectiveness of our collective action will depend on an inclusive, broad-based and comprehensive approach. The top priority should be to combat impunity for these crimes. We must redirect the stigma and the consequences of sexual violence from the survivors to the perpetrators of such acts. As prosecution is critical to prevention, emphasis should in particular be placed on strengthening and enhancing the capacity of national institutions and criminal justice systems in countries facing armed conflict.
Secondly, attention must also be placed on providing support to the victims of sexual violence. Justice means not only punishment for the perpetrators but also redress for the survivors. Survivors need not only financial compensation but also access to health care, social services and legal support. They must also be given assistance to reintegrate into society.