Statement of the Chile at the May 15 Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict

We must broaden and intensify our efforts aimed at prevention. Educational programmes at all levels are required, particularly in armed forces, including for contingents participating in peacekeeping operations. The implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and related resolutions, as well as the drafting by countries of national plans, is key for prevention. Chile’s second national plan has expanded the training and education it offers to include the gender perspective, sexual violence and the human rights of women in peacekeeping operations, both for police and military components and for civilian staff participating in such operations, or at any stage of conflict-resolution and post-conflict processes. We express our solidarity with the victims of this serious transgression and the subsequent stigmatization from which many of them suffer, which we must eradicate by making every effort to expose those who are responsible, namely, the perpetrators of these crimes and those who incite them to commit such atrocities.

Greater awareness of the seriousness of this problem is required for there to be sufficient understanding of how to implement measures needed for prevention, protection, rehabilitation and reintegration. In that regard, we have noted with interest initiatives such as that put forward by the United Kingdom on preventing sexual violence in conflict and stigmatization. Similarly, the guidance note of the Secretary-General on reparations for conflict-related sexual violence, of June 2014, offers guidelines and best practices for us to consider.