Afghanistan
In situations of military conflict and periods of instability,
armed groups often use violence against civilians, especially
women, as a deliberate tactic of war.In Afghanistan, the devastating
impacts of three decades of armed conflict have particularly
affected the most vulnerable part of our population, namely
women and children.
....
In several armed conflict situations, acts of sexual and gender
based violence were used to humiliate, and forcibly relocate
civilian members of a community or ethnic group. In Afghanistan,
sexual violence was not a predominant method employed by armed
groups in conflict, due to the cultural bounds of the society,
however the use of sexual violence was used by some individuals
and groups as an instrument of war.
Afghanistan recognizes that
sexual and gender based violence is a threat to international
peace and security and condemns all sexual and gender based
violence committed against civilians in conflict affected situations.
We would also like to underscore the necessity of acknowledging
that in armed and post conflict countries, the dimension of
violence used against women has multiple aspects that extend
beyond a sexual nature.
Argentina
....
Growing reports from the field alert us on the use of sexual
violence as a political or military tool in some current conflicts.
A regrettable chapter of our past has showed us that rape and
other heinous forms of sexual violence can be used by agents
of the State as a tool to spread terror, to torture and degrade
those it considers "its enemies".
Sexual violence as a warfare
method is categorically prohibited. The widespread and systematic
use of sexual violence is a grave violation of international
law in the light of the Rome Statue of the International Criminal
Court as well as the Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols.
....
Considering these realities, Argentina is convinced of the need
to adopt urgent and effective steps to prevent and respond to
such acts of sexual violence against the civilian population,
which will significantly contribute to the maintenance of international
peace and security.
....
In order to ensure effective measures are adopted, we consider
it will be particularly useful to have a Report by the Secretary
General, systematizing and analyzing the information available
to the UN system, with a specific focus in the shocking phenomenon
of sexual violence as a political and military tool.
Australia
....
Crimes of sexual violence are one of the most widespread and
egregious of all violent acts committed during armed conflict.
Not only do these crimes target the most vulnerable members
of society, but their legacy, which includes the stigmatization
of victims and children born of rape, and the spread of deadly
disease such as HIV/AIDS, remains with affected communities
for generations.
We note with regret and disgust
that sexual violence is often perpetrated by parties to a conflict,
and is all too often used as an instrument of warfare itself.
Put simply, the deliberate and widespread use of sexual violence
is a crime against humanity and, if used as a method of warfare,
a war crime.
Austria
....
We have made visible progress in the implementation of SC-Res
1325 and we dispose of clear rules under international law to
prevent violence against women, including sexual violence in
armed conflict. Nevertheless the prevalence and brutality of
acts of sexual violence against women and girls in conflicts
and post-conflict situations around the world have reached a
level requiring urgent attention by the international community
and in particular by this body. Sexual violence is often not
only a mere manifestation of war but rather a deliberate tactic
of warfare. This and the adverse effects on peace processes,
reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction make clear that
sexual violence against women indeed is a security threat.
Belgium
....
It is a question of peace and security, Madam President, as
you yourself rightly said at the outset. It is our conviction
that this issue also involves our concept both of the human
being and of humanity; our joint responsibility through a debate
of this kind is to conduct our fight at the highest political
level to deal with the unacceptable phenomenon of sexual violence
in armed conflict.
Benin
....
If there is one area where the implementation of resolution
1325 (2000) leaves most to be desired, it is that of the many
forms of unconscionable violence and abuse which parties to
armed conflict continue to inflict against women and young girls.
This situation is in complete contravention of international
standards. The most heinous and most traumatizing form of abuse
against women is sexual violence. The seriousness of this abominable
phenomenon is multiplied when it is perpetrated on a large scale.
But all of that still does not compare to the use of mass rape
as a weapon of war or as an instrument for ethnic cleansing
or outright genocide.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
....
We are very much concerned that systematic sexual violence against
women and girls in armed conflicts has been and still is used
as war strategy and remains a direct threat to international
peace and security. Speaking from our own experience from the
'90s, Bosnia and Herzegovina strongly condemns all acts of aggression
and violence against women and girls in armed conflicts and
post conflict situations.
Brazil
....
This debate is rather timely, as we have been witnessing an
increase in the reporting of cases of violence against women
around the globe. In the case of armed conflicts, the shocking
images broadcasted by the media are deeply disturbing and attest
to the gravity of the problem. It is simply despicable. Rape
and all other forms of sexual abuse must be vehemently condemned,
no matter their purpose, and perpetrators punished.
Our collective consternation
and indignation must lead to action. If we are to successfully
face this most daunting challenge, we need to design and implement
practical, concrete measures to adequately address the issue,
with the involvement of the international community as a whole.
Burkina Faso
Violence against women in areas of conflict is continuing, in
spite of the Security Council’s adoption of resolution
1325 (2000) and all other relevant instruments. The phenomenon
is worsening, becoming systematic and a genuine war strategy
for some combatants. Victimized women and girls are deliberately
targeted for abominable acts of violence. That is an unacceptable
violation of the most fundamental human rights — in other
words, a crime against humanity. Unfortunately, it seems that
our repeated calls and recommendations have yet to be heeded.
Canada
....
Sexual violence, especially against women and girls, continues
at alarming levels in many conflict and postconflict situations.
All too frequently, sexual violence is used as a deliberate
weapon of war. It is time that all involved in the maintenance
of peace and security step up to address this issue within their
respective domains.
Sexual and other forms of violence
against civilians in conflict affected situations can, in many
circumstances, constitute a threat to international peace aid
security. It is more than clear in Sudan, the DRC and the Great
Lakes Region, for example, that sexual violence is a security
problem requiring a security response.
....
The Security Council must demonstrate its resolute commitment
to defending and maintaining international peace and security
by stepping up and taking action against sexual violence. It
should now be abundantly clear to all: The systematic use of
sexual violence as a weapon of war demands an effective, timely
and proportionate response by the Security Council.
China
....
While the Security Council has a unique role to play in addressing
violence against women, organs and agencies of the United Nations
should strengthen their coordination and cooperation. Sexual
violence in conflict is closely related to armed conflicts.
Bearing primary responsibility for the maintenance of international
peace and security, the Security Council should focus its efforts
on prevention of conflicts, peace keeping and post-conflict
reconstruction. Sexual violence should be addressed with a comprehensive
approach as an integral part of the peace process and political
developments. It should not be treated as a stand alone issue,
nor should attention be given to its symptoms only.
Costa Rica
....
We should not trivialize this phenomenon, since doing so would
mean that we would continue failing to prevent it and to respond
effectively. It is indisputable that sexual violence, when it
is carried out in a systematic, generalized mannered and as
part of an attack against innocent populations, exacerbates
armed conflicts and becomes an enormous obstacle to their resolution
and to the consolidation of peace.
Democratic Republic
of the Congo
....
This current meeting, indeed, once again places the question
of sexual violence against women at the heart of the concerns
of the Security Council.
....
My gratitude also goes to the members of the Security Council.
They recently visited my country, showing once again the great
importance that this principal organ of the United Nations,
charged with the maintenance of international peace and security,
attaches to this thorny question.
....
Violence against women in situations of armed conflict is an
outrage that requires an appropriate and substantial response
from the international community. That is why my country did
not hesitate to sponsor the resolution presented to the General
Assembly by the delegation of the United States on the elimination
of rape and other forms of sexual violence in all its manifestations,
particularly in armed conflicts and similar situations (General
Assembly resolution 62/134).
Thus, wars and armed conflicts in modern times have made rape
an unprecedentedly cruel weapon of war, in order to obliterate
the enemy and destroy the family, whole communities and, above
all, the dignity of women.
....
My country makes an impassioned appeal to the international
community for a return of sustainable peace. This is a sine
qua non condition for the complete eradication of sexual violence.
....
Congolese women, victims of sexual violence, are also hostages
to the natural resources of Congo, which are being exploited
illegally.
I remind the Council that women
in general, and the women of the Democratic Republic of the
Congo in particular, have the right to peace without fear of
violence or oppression. They have the right to peace, without
which all hope for dignity, well-being and development will
be in vain and compromised. I conclude by hoping that Congolese
women’s appeal for peace — which I echo here —
will be heard, because trying to fight against sexual violence
without seeking peace is nothing more than a delusion.
Korea
....
However, as stated in the concept paper prepared for open debate,
recent reporting indicates that brutal and systematic rapes
are becoming increasingly commonplace in some conflict and post-conflict
situations. In fact, sexual violence in situations of armed
conflict has occurred throughout history, including sexual slavery
during World War 11. It is our firm belief that the adoption
of the noble charter of the United Nations is a clear manifestation
of our strong commitment that such brutal and categorical denial
of the human rights of women would not reoccur. Contrary to
our call for consciousness and commitment, we have witnessed
the horrifying intensity and severity of sexual violence in
armed conflict, which has been exercised as a weapon of war,
particularly in DRC and Darfur.
My delegation would like to
make clear its position on key issues for today's deliberation.
Firstly, with respect to the link between sexual violence and
peace and security, the Republic of Korea fully recognizes that
sexual violence is a security issue as well as a fundamental
human rights issue. Given this connection, the Republic of Korea
supports every effort to end sexual violence in armed conflict
not only for the sake of human rights but also for sustainable
peace and security.
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
....
Libya is concerned at reports of sexual violence against women
and girls in many conflict areas. We are even more concerned
at the use of sexual violence against women as an instrument
of war in some conflict situations. I do not believe that anyone
would argue that such acts are not a heinous crime whose perpetrators
must be brought to justice and must not enjoy impunity.
Liechtenstein
....
Sexual violence is one of the most important aspects of resolution
1325 and merits a separate discussion. While sexual violence
has always been a part of armed conflict, its systematic and
targeted use in numerous situations today is not just a byproduct
of hostilities or merely a war crime. It has become a method
of warfare that aims to destroy the social fabric of communities
in order to achieve political and military goals.
The General Assembly addressed
this trend as early as in 1995 by adopting resolutions on rape
and sexual violence in the context of the conflict in Bosnia
and Herzegovina, but the trend has continued unabated. The increasingly
systematic use of sexual violence is part of a larger pattern.
One of the main consequences of the changing nature of armed
conflict is the increasing victimization and targeting of civilian
populations - which puts women and girls at particular risk.
Mauritania
....
The presence this morning of a great number of ministers from
States members of the Security Council was a sign of the importance
that the Council attaches to this issue, because sexual violence
can, to varying degrees, pose a threat to international peace
and security.
In this respect, I would add
the voice of Mauritania to the chorus of those who have preceded
us to condemn the degrading and inhuman treatment inflicted
upon women through sexual violence committed in armed conflict.
Despite all of the legal instruments — which Mauritania
has ratified — and despite the actions and initiatives
taken by the international community on the protection and advancement
of women, we must note that much remains to be done. Women remain
victims of the abominable practice that is sexual violence.
Mexico
....
We continue to witness recurring cases of widespread and systematic
sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. The international
community cannot remain inactive given this alarming situation.
Such abominable acts of sexual violence constitute war crimes
and crimes against humanity when they are committed as part
of a generalized and systematic campaign against a civilian
population, as stated by the Rome Statute of the International
Criminal Court.
For that reason, Mexico joins
with the Council in demanding the immediate and complete cessation
of all acts of sexual violence. We cannot tolerate such abuses,
whereby women and children continue to be the principal victims
of deliberate attacks by armed groups and armies.
....
Mexico reiterates its unequivocal rejection of the use of sexual
violence as a strategy of war and joins the Council’s
call on all States to bring the perpetrators of such acts to
justice. Likewise, we agree that effective measures must be
taken to prevent and respond to acts of widespread or systematic
sexual violence in order to contribute to international peace
and security.
....
Mexico is a staunch promoter of international humanitarian law.
My country believes that the use of sexual violence, because
of its very serious humanitarian consequences, together with
the use of weapons that are excessively injurious or have indiscriminate
effects, such as antipersonnel mines and cluster munitions,
should be excluded entirely from all military doctrines.
Myanmar
....
My delegation joins in the international community in its condemnation,
in its strongest terms, of all sexual and other forms of violence
committed against civilians in armed conflict particularly women
and children. We must work together to prevent this . . . Sexual
violence as a weapon of war must be strongly condemned.
Netherlands
In 2000, Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security was adopted
unanimously by this Council. In 2002, the Rome Statute entered
into force. In 2005, the Peace building Commission was established.
And most recently, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon launched
the Campaign to end violence against women by 201 5. Despite
all these developments, little has changed on the ground. Sexual
violence against women in conflict continues unabated and is
at unacceptable levels. Rape is on the increase.
....
The Netherlands very much welcomes this open debate and commends
the US Presidency for its effort to put this heinous crime so
prominently on the agenda of the
Council. Sexual violence is linked to peace and security. The
adoption of a resolution will be an important step in recognizing
this link.
New Zealand
....
New Zealand welcomes increased Security Council attention to
the reality of sexual violence during conflict, and to the need
to end impunity for crimes involving sexual violence. This is
an important aspect of SCR 1325. Sadly, sexual violence continues
unabated in conflict and post-conflict situations around the
world. It is a gross violation of women's human rights that
further exacerbates the vulnerability of women and girls in
times of conflict. Sexual' violence is an attack not only on
the dignity of women but also on the peace process: it raises
significant barriers to reconciliation and peace. New Zealand
attaches great importance to the urgent need to eliminate such
violence.
Nigeria
....
Let me, reiterate my delegation's full appreciation of the concern
raised in the Concept Paper on the endemic nature of sexual
violence against women in situations of armed conflict, in particular
the use of rape as a weapon of war. For my delegation, violent
sexual acts such as rape, sexual assault, sexual slavery, forced
marriages, and forced prostitution are crimes against humanity.
For us, these? crimes are as despicable as they are condemnable,
and it does not matter whether they are committed in times of
peace or war. These crimes affect not only the victims, but
also families and entire communities. They traumatize and degrade
lives, leaving behind stigma, humiliation and social ostracization.
Panama
....
The annals of modern history document the use of sexual violence
as a weapon of war. The conflicts in the former Yugoslavia,
Rwanda, Darfur and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are
but the most recent and notorious examples. The recurring nature
and increase in the number of acts of sexual and gender-based
violence mean that such violence has gone from being a weapon
of war to an epidemic. That is especially true in countries
where the absence of the rule of law makes it impossible for
the State to provide the necessary protection to millions of
women and girls.
Moreover, it is generally accepted
today that systematic acts of sexual and gender-based violence
are violations of human rights, affect human security and development
and represent an assault on international peace and security.
....
However, despite those efforts and other normative progress
made in this area [international law], in particular the Security
Council’s adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), women and
girls continue to be subject to all sorts of discriminatory
violence. It is therefore essential that the Security Council
duly consider the use of sexual and gender-based violence as
a weapon of war and devise mechanisms to mitigate, eliminate
and effectively punish that practice.
Philippines
The Philippines joins previous speakers in condemning acts of
sexual violence inflicted on women and girls by parties involved
in armed conflict. Sexual violence in situations of armed conflict
is something that the international community should not dose
its eyes to. As we speak, reports on how women and girls have
found themselves victims of sexual violence and also on how
they remain vulnerable to increased risk of violence from parties
involved in armed conflicts continue to stream from various
hotspots around the world.
The sexual abuse committed against
women and girls is deeply rooted in a pervasive culture of discrimination
highlighted by the unequal power equation that denies females
equal status. This inequality is manifested in a number of ways
during conflict, particularly through the social, political
and cultural norms that identify women and girls not only as
the property of men but also as sexual objects. This inequality
also finds form as a tool of war with violence directed at women
being considered an attack against the values and honor of a
society.
Rwanda
....
Throughout history, gender-based violence and in particular
violence against women has been an integral component of armed
conflict. In Rwanda the 1994 Genocide was marked by horrific
forms of violence particularly against women. An estimated 500,000
girls and women were victims of rape by the Interahamwe, and
up to two thirds of these victims were also infected with HIV
by perpetrators carrying the virus. It is now evident that rape
was part of the genocidal plan and part of the systematic degradation
of women and of girls. This plan was then exported by the EX-FAR/Interahamwe
across our borders into the Eastern Democratic Republic of the
Congo and continues to be exacted by the EX-FAR Interahamwe's
successors the FDLR, RUD-Runana and other militias on the women
and girls of the Eastern DRC. 14 years on, survivors of the
1994 genocide in Rwanda continue to live with the effects of
this legacy.
Slovenia (on behalf
of the European Union)
....
Women have always been particularly vulnerable victims during
armed conflicts, but in modern history sexual violence has developed
into a method of warfare. Encouraging though is that in recent
years the international community has become more responsive
to the plight of women in conflict and has acknowledged that
the problem needs urgent attention.
....
Sexual and gender-based violence is an area of particular concern
to women and girls in armed conflict situations, although we
know now that also boys and men may be subjected to such violence
and to sexual torture. Violence against women and girls, including
rape and sexual slavery, is often used as a weapon of war, in
order to demoralize women themselves, or the community they
belong to. Importantly, high levels of sexual and gender-based
violence also rarely cease at the end of hostilities, and continue
well into the 'post-conflict' phase. Moreover, boys who have
watched their mothers and sisters being raped run a considerable
risk of becoming perpetrators themselves.
Examples from recent past and
unfortunately at this present moment show the extensiveness
and severity of sexual violence against women in armed conflict.
Between 1991 and 2002, all parties to the conflict in Sierra
Leone perpetrated rape, sexual slavery and other forms of sexual
violence against Sierra Leonean women and girls and at least
250,000, perhaps as many as 500,000, women were raped during
the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Very few perpetrators of these
crimes have ever been brought to justice while thousands of
women infected by HIV/AIDS due to having been raped years ago
continue to suffer and die. Today armed groups in the DRC are
using sexual violence as a weapon of war to terrorize the populations.
In Darfur too, women and girls continue to be affected by high
levels of gender based violence and sexual crimes including
rape, while impunity remains a serious problem.
South Africa
....
Since its creation in 1946, the United Nations has grappled
with the issue of sexual violence committed against women and
girls in conflict situations. As a result, an international
framework specific to women and girls was established and strengthened
over time to protect women and girls from all forms of violence,
including sexual violence in armed conflict. Today, we recognize
that violence against women, including rape, sexual slavery,
enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, enforced sterilization
or any other form of sexual violence still remains. Sexual violence
constitutes a war crime and a crime against humanity when committed
as part of a widespread and systematic attack on a civilian
population by State and non-State actors.
Spain
....
Nevertheless, many are the root causes of the rise of violence
against women, among them, the nature of armed conflict in which
militia movements participate, the unfortunate and most frequent
strategy of targeting and attacking civilians, considering violence
just as a humanitarian problem instead of tackling the question
from a methods-of- warfare approach, as well as the systematic
use of cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment against civilians.
It is for this reason that the international community should
consider new steps to be taken to fight this scourge.
....
Furthermore, psycho-social support could improve the treatment
of the wicked side-effects of systematic rape as a warfare weapon:
the destruction of the social fabric in the communities affected
and the difficulty of reinsertion of victims in those communities.
Switzerland
....
We look forward to the adoption of a Security Council Resolution
affirming that the prevention of acts of sexual violence can
contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security.
We are deeply concerned that
sexual violence against women and girls still exists in the
context of armed conflict. Such conduct is unacceptable, and
even more so when committed by peacekeeping personnel.
Tanzania
....
The concern for protection of women and girls against sexual
and gender based violence has been reflected in various Security
Council documents. It is unfortunate that despite the numerous
calls to protect women and girls, there has been an escalation
of systematic and brutal acts of sexual violence and abuses
as calculated instruments of war against civilians especially
women and girls. The Security Council, with the support of Member
States, needs to take bold measures to stop this trend. It is,
therefore, our expectation that the discussions in this open
debate will lead to recommendations that would enable the Security
Council to respond effectively to the use of sexual and gender-based
violence in conflict situations and crystallize international
concerted action against such crimes.
....
It is high time we recognize sexual violence as a pervasive
criminal act in conflict situation with global manifestations.
These targeted acts of violence add new dimensions to regional
and international peace and security. We call upon all parties
to conflict to end these barbarous acts and to take measures
to protect civilians, including women and girls.
UK
....
Madam President, in conflict women and children suffer disproportionately.
Sexual violence is among the very worst atrocities that they
face, and it is increasingly being used as a deliberate method
of warfare.
Every day, we read reports from
the United Nations, from non-governmental organisations, the
media and most recently from the International Criminal Court
of systematic use of sexual violence to terrorise civil populations,
to drive forward ethnic cleansing, and to destroy communities.
We have seen it in the DRC, where the ex-genocidaires from Rwanda
are primarily responsible. We see it in Darfur, in Somalia,
and elsewhere. In Zimbabwe, the hired thugs of Mugabe's regime
brutalise and murder the wives and children of leaders of the
opposition MDC. Only yesterday, the wife of the newly elected
Mayor of Harare was savagely beaten and killed by the so-called
war veterans, in order to intimidate the opposition party in
next week's elections.
In all these places we see the
physical and psychological scars of the survivors of sexual
violence; and chillingly, the silent testimony of the horribly
disfigured bodies of those who did not survive. And we see the
empty burnt out villages from which the population has fled
to avoid further attacks.
And that is the point. The trauma
and injuries caused by sexual violence are designed to cripple
communities, trigger revenge attacks, and cause lasting bitterness.
In this way gender-based violence feeds the fires of conflicts
that this Council is dedicated to extinguishing.
But what's new about this? After
all, it is true that rape and sexual violence have been associated
with conflict since before records began. Three things have
changed. Firstly, sexual violence is now being used as a tool
of warfare, rather than it being Just a tragic by-product of
conflict, and is taking place on a much larger scale than we
have seen before. Secondly, we now better understand how sexual
violence damages the prospects of post-conflict recovery. And
thirdly we have the means to tackle this problem within our
reach.
....
My government believes that the Security Council should show
leadership on the issue of sexual violence by:
1. Recognising that widespread
and systematic sexual violence can pose a threat to international
peace and security.
2. ....
3. ....
4. ....
US
....
I also want to commend all of you here today, my fellow Council
members, and I want to thank a number who have traveled from
very far to show their dedication to this important issue of
ending the use of rape and other forms of sexual violence as
instruments of warfare. Rape is a crime that can never be condoned,
yet women and girls in conflict situations around the world
have been subjected to widespread and deliberate acts of sexual
violence. As many of you know, for years, there’s been
a debate about whether or not sexual violence against women
is a security issue for this forum to address.
I am proud that today, we respond
to that lingering question with a resounding yes. This world
body now acknowledges that sexual violence in conflict zones
is indeed a security concern. We affirm that sexual violence
profoundly affects not only the health and safety of women,
but the economic and social stability of their nations.
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