Implementation

The fight against sexual violence is a priority for Belgium. We are about to adopt our third national action plan on resolution 1325 (2000). The issue of sexual violence against women, including conflict-related violence, is of great importance. For Belgium, accountability is critical in the fight against impunity for crimes of sexual violence. Justice is a prerequisite for building peace and breaking the cycle of conflict. I would like to quickly highlight a few points.

First of all, we welcome the countries mentioned in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2017/249) that have worked actively to establish a legislative framework and take effective measures. We commend the outstanding work of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict in supporting national efforts leading to tangible results — for example, in Guinea.

My delegation therefore wishes to highlight the importance of the Secretary-General’s recommendation calling on the Security Council to fully include the issue of conflict-related sexual violence in the work of the sanctions committees. The undeniable legitimacy of the sanctions adopted in that context will indeed lead to strengthened collective efforts in the fight against the scourge.