Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: South Africa
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: South Africa (Extract 1)
We must all do more to prevent sexual violence in conflict. In that regard, we encourage the Security Council to give close consideration to addressing the risk factors and early-warning signs of systemic sexual violence. South Africa believes that that can be achieved through the inclusion of a greater number of deployed female peacekeepers, particularly women protection advisers, in peacekeeping missions.
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: South Africa (Extract 2)
South Africa believes that that can be achieved through the inclusion of a greater number of deployed female peacekeepers, particularly women protection advisers, in peacekeeping missions, and we call on all Member States to support the inclusion of such posts in the mandates and budgets of peacekeeping operations. In that regard, South Africa has one of the largest contingents of women peacekeepers deployed in United Nations peacekeeping missions. The contribution of women to peacekeeping and peacemaking efforts is recognized as a contributing factor to the effectiveness and long-term success of United Nations deployments.
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: South Africa (Extract 3)
Access to justice and legal recourse for cases of sexual violence is another essential component of the peacebuilding and reconciliation process. Without perpetrators having to face the consequences for their actions, there can be no justice for the survivors of sexual violence, and there can be no peace without justice.
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: South Africa (Extract 4)
My delegation believes that we need to directly address those contributors to conflict, including the promotion of gender equality and greater participation by women in all forms of mediation, postconflict recovery and peacebuilding processes, if we are ever to tackle the root causes of conflict.
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: South Africa (Extract 5)
In that regard, the necessary legal framework needs to be strengthened to address all forms of discrimination against women, including with respect to land ownership, access to economic opportunities, employment, education and health care, which are all essential components of an inclusive, open and peaceful society.
Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: South Africa (Extract 6)
In conclusion, South Africa continues to prioritize the participation of women in peace and security processes, particularly through training programmes on mediation, dialogue and conflict resolution