We would like to recall once again that sexual violence is but one of the cri...

We would like to recall once again that sexual violence is but one of the crimes committed in armed conflict and post-conflict situations. We are convinced that focusing our efforts on combating sexual violence means that we must also pay due attention to other crimes committed in time of conflict. Civilians continue to be the victims of crimes such as premeditated attacks, including terrorist attacks, as well as the indiscriminate or disproportionate use of force. In our view, the Council must evaluate such cases in an impartial and principled manner and ensure that the perpetrators do not go unpunished. We have carefully studied the report (S/2012/33) of the Secretary-General. We note that the document is rich in factual data, which reflects the credible and comprehensive work being done to combat sexual violence in armed conflict. Much of what has been done is welcome. We can see clearly that progress has been made as a result of the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. However, the reliability of some of the accounts contained in the report is questionable. We believe that taking an unbiased approach to this delicate issue on the basis of objective and reliable information is the key to promoting confidence in the activities undertaken in this respect. We disagree with the broad manner in which the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict has interpreted her mandate. We would draw attention in particular to the fact that the issue under consideration today is conflict related sexual violence. Unilateral changes in the scope of an issue dealt with by a special United Nations mechanism established as a result of intergovernmental processes and enshrined in Security Council resolutions are inadmissible and could have an adverse impact on our ability to resolve the issue of sexual violence.