As the international community, we curbed the development of nuclear weapons, heading off a once threatened and unstoppable wave of insecurity. We have binding Conventions against the use of torture and on the treatment of prisoners. We have outlawed the use of chemical weapons and imposed a global ban on cluster munitions. We have made progress in choking off the trade in conflict diamonds, which undermines many fragile countries.

We would like to stress the need for all parties to armed conflict to enforce the prohibition against sexual violence through their chains of command and to ensure that alleged abuses are investigated promptly and that perpetrators held accountable.

United Nations peacekeepers and those of regional organizations authorized by the United Nations have a key role to play in preventing sexual violence in conflict situations by practicing zero tolerance within their ranks and protecting vulnerable populations.

Uganda strongly supports more active participation and involvement by women in addressing the concerns raised by sexual violence in conflict, post-conflict situations and peacebuilding, in particular in processes such as security sector and justice sector reform.

The Government of Uganda has taken a comprehensive approach aimed at enhancing women's empowerment, enhancing their participation and involvement in the promotion of peace and security, in conflict-prevention and resolution, in eradicating sexual violence and in ending impunity. We are committed to the implementation of the relevant instruments.

In conclusion, we must redouble our efforts and sustain the momentum in the fight against sexual violence at the national, regional and international levels, using a multi-pronged approach and utilizing all of the tools at our disposal. We therefore welcome the adoption of resolution 2106 (2013) by the Security Council today as one of the ways of advancing further action towards eradicating sexual violence in conflict situations.

To address this problem, comprehensive solutions should be sought by both ensuring the supremacy of the rule of law and by building judicial and security institutions. Gaps in legislation and implementation must be addressed. Criminal responsibility must be increased. Impunity must be ended both for perpetrators and those in the chain of command. The investigative capabilities of national institutions must be increased.

The Security Council deserves special credit for connecting the concepts of sexual violence and impunity to international peace and security, passing numerous resolutions and addressing the issue in various meetings. We also welcome today's adoption of resolution 2106 (2013). The Council's efforts help strongly convey the message that sexual violence and impunity are unacceptable.

The elimination of the root causes of conflict is the best way to prevent sexual violence and address impunity. The establishment or restoration of the rule of law, good governance and socio-economic development is essential for sustainable solutions.

Secondly, monitoring and reporting on incidents of sexual violence is important, as highlighted in the Secretary-General's most recent report (S/2013/149). We extend our full support to the endeavours of the United Nations in this area. In this respect, as a neighbouring country, Turkey took note with concern of the findings of the recent report of the independent international commission of inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic.