Statement of Sierra Leone at the May 15 Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict
CP
No effort should be spared by the United Nations to invest resources in identifying early-warning signs of conflict and conflict prevention, because women, girls and children are usually the targets in conflicts situations. It is very important to note that in the discussions of sexual violence in conflict here at the United Nations, women should be given more opportunity to participate in the highest decision-making bodies. Also, the capacities of countries emerging from conflict must be enhanced, particularly in the area of conflict prevention and institutional capacity-building. The need to invest in women’s development towards our present-day aspiration for global, regional and national development cannot be overemphasized. Sierra Leone strongly upholds the relevant protocols relating to women’s empowerment, including the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa and the Secretary-General’s Campaign to End Violence against Women.
Justice
In conclusion, the fight to end sexual violence against women and girls in conflict cannot be achieved unless there is an effective, efficient and credible international legal institution that is able to bring to book those who have perpetrated and continue to perpetrate horrendous crimes against the vulnerable and defenceless, including women, girls and children in conflict situations. In that regard, my delegation continues to support the International Criminal Court, which remains at the moment the most effective international legal institution that is supposed to address impunity.
We take this opportunity to acknowledge the good work of Justice Rapid Response and UN-Women and to pledge our unflinching support and solidarity with them in the fight against impunity for sexual violence in conflict.
HR
Allow me to reaffirm Sierra Leone’s commitment to all international instruments aimed at ending violence against women and girls, and to reaffirm the importance of education, economic empowerment, and the modification of social and cultural patterns of behaviour of men and boys towards women and girls as integral parts of overcoming violence against women and girls, both in conflict and in post-conflict situations.
PK
The Government of Sierra Leone continues to enact several post-conflict policy and legislative frameworks aimed at addressing gender inequalities, lack of respect for women’s rights and other negative traditional norms affecting women. Key among these include the Gender Justice Laws or the Three Gender Acts. These exemplify our resolve to attain gender equality and empower women. Sierra Leone continues to make modest contributions to international peacekeeping missions. Our contingents of troops are given the requisite training in the prevention of sexual violence in conflict and have performed admirably. We look forward to more opportunities to be given to our troops to serve humankind.