Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Deputy Secretary-General (Extract 1)

This year, in Myanmar and many other conflict situations, the widespread threat and use of sexual violence has, once again, been used as a tactic to advance military, economic and ideological objectives. And, once again, it has been a driver of massive forced displacement. Let me be clear, both genders endure the horrific brutality of sexual violence in conflict. Sexual violence is also a very common method of torture of detainees. And, in many conflicts, most detainees are men and boys. But, overall, women and girls are disproportionately affected. Gender-based discrimination is the invisible driver of most crimes of sexual violence. And, the lower a woman’s status -- in terms of health, wealth and education -- the greater is her vulnerability and exposure to harm.