Statement of Belgium at the May 15 Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict
Justice
As for sexual violence in Syria, we believe that the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism recently established by General Assembly resolution 71/248 also plays an important role. The Mechanism aims to assist in the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the most serious crimes committed in Syria, including, of course, the issue of sexual violence addressed in this debate. In the same vein, allow me to welcome the work of the joint rapid response units and UN-Women and the firm impact of the personnel on the ground in Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi as they seek to ensure justice and accountability.
In addition to the fight against impunity, reintegrating the victims of sexual violence is paramount. Those victims must not become victims a second time because of stigmatization by their families and communities. It is the perpetrators of crimes of sexual violence who should be ashamed, not the victims. It is therefore important to provide socioeconomic and psychosocial support for the victims.
Implementation
The fight against sexual violence is a priority for Belgium. We are about to adopt our third national action plan on resolution 1325 (2000). The issue of sexual violence against women, including conflict-related violence, is of great importance. For Belgium, accountability is critical in the fight against impunity for crimes of sexual violence. Justice is a prerequisite for building peace and breaking the cycle of conflict. I would like to quickly highlight a few points.
First of all, we welcome the countries mentioned in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2017/249) that have worked actively to establish a legislative framework and take effective measures. We commend the outstanding work of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict in supporting national efforts leading to tangible results — for example, in Guinea.
My delegation therefore wishes to highlight the importance of the Secretary-General’s recommendation calling on the Security Council to fully include the issue of conflict-related sexual violence in the work of the sanctions committees. The undeniable legitimacy of the sanctions adopted in that context will indeed lead to strengthened collective efforts in the fight against the scourge.