Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Bangladesh (Extract 2)

The culture of impunity often surrounding conflictrelated sexual violence also perpetuates the vicious cycle. In cases where the State concerned is unwilling or unable to ensure accountability and justice for such crimes, the international community, especially the Security Council, cannot avoid its responsibility. There have been resounding calls for the Council to consider referrals to the International Criminal Court and for appropriate sanctions against the entities listed in the Secretary General’s report. In particular, the Secretariat also has a responsibility to ensure that the State actors listed are barred from United Nations peacekeeping operations. The shrinking resources for protection and gender experts in peacekeeping missions must be reversed.