Statement of Panama at the May 15 Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict
Implementation
Panama is firmly committed to promoting and protecting the human rights of women. We attach particular importance to initiatives undertaken by UN-Women, such as Justice Rapid Response and the Women’s Alliance in Accountability for Sexual Violence and Gender-Based Violence.
We welcome the efforts of the informal group of experts on resolution 2242 (2015), on women and peace and security, and of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. We also underscore the adoption, as part of Council sanctions regimes, of criteria for identifying individuals or entities for their role in the promotion or carrying out of sexual violence. We would like to emphasize the normative value of the Security Council’s unanimous adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), the first instrument to establish the causal relationship between the experiences of women in conflict and the international peace and security agenda and to draw attention to the disproportionate impact of conflicts on women. Today, more than ever, that resolution and those that have followed it are particularly relevant.
Participation
In conclusion, Panama believes that the role that women can and must play in preventing and resolving conflicts and in the building and decision-making in sustainable peace processes is fundamental. Thus, the equality and the empowerment agendas take on greater meaning and constitute a global commitment. Our strategic considerations to combat sexual violence against women in situations of conflicts must be based on international law and be inspired by the best interests and well-being of all humankind. Increasing the role of women in conflict prevention, in the resolution of conflicts and in United Nations peace operations, in accordance with the provisions of resolution 2242 (2015), is an encouraging new sign when it comes to increasing the leadership role and the rights of women. However, it is urgent that we implement effective strategies and fully integrate the gender perspective in our agenda.
Justice
I would like to underscore the significant importance of historic rulings of the International Criminal Court, such as the 210 Bemba case and 2017 Ntaganda case, which consolidate the status of sexual violence as a war crime and crime against humanity. However, due to the complementary jurisdiction of the Court, we must also promote the effective national-level implementation of existing instruments on this issue, including adopting strong internal measures to prevent and combat sexual violence in the context of armed conflicts.