Justice

Secondly, in responding to sexual violence, the Security Council must seek to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and call on Member States to ensure that victims and survivors receive comprehensive care, as has been noted by other speakers. Unfortunately, we know that the overwhelming majority of victims and survivors may never receive justice. Just as armed conflict can destroy societies, it can also destroy the very institutions that should hold those responsible to account, and, in some places, the police who are supposed to investigate sexual violence are actually reported as the perpetrators.

Rebuilding courts and reforming law enforcement are never easy tasks, but we need to give victims of sexual violence access to justice; otherwise the deep scars caused by rape in armed conflict will be difficult if not impossible to heal. We appreciate that, even with a relatively small team, the United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict has travelled to conflict zones to engage Governments and negotiate agreements intended to curb such attacks. That work, while it may take time, is vital.