Malaysia reaffirms its strong commitment to the efforts to address sexual violence in conflict and post- conflict situations. We strongly believe that the subject of women and peace and security deserves the Security Council's sustained attention.

Malaysia is deeply concerned about the effect of sexual violence — the physical, psychological and emotional terror and trauma that it creates for women and girls.

Malaysia believes that the equal, full and active participation of women is key to peacekeeping and peacebuilding. My delegation is of the view that women should not just be seen as victims, but as central to all efforts to end this global phenomenon. It is crucial to bring women into peace processes. They must be active participants in all efforts to combat this horrific phenomenon.

In that context, we welcome today's adoption of resolution 2106 (2013) on the issue discussed. My delegation hopes that there will be sufficient impetus for the actual realization of the relevant resolutions, including the landmark resolution 1325 (2000), to increase women's participation in the area of peace and security.

In our effort to secure peace and security, we must move urgently to replace the prevailing culture of impunity with one of deterrence that promotes the need for the rule of law, justice and accountability. Malaysia views accountability as a duty of Member States under both domestic and international law. The national system in that regard should be steered towards meeting international standards in ensuring accountability and justice.

We all know that regardless of cultures and backgrounds, cases of sexual violence are not always reported, either because the survivors fear being ostracized or because they fear for their lives or those of their relatives, or for both reasons at once. We must therefore make every effort to ensure protection for victims. It is also important to protect the human rights advocates who struggle daily to make the survivors heard.

Sexual violence in armed conflict is indisputably a subject directly linked to international peace and security, as underscored in resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010), and today's resolution 2106 (2013). The fight against sexual violence in conflict is complex undertaking requiring various levels of action, including combating impunity, which is especially important.

National courts are primarily responsible for prosecuting and trying the perpetrators of sexual violence associated with armed conflict. States must likewise assume their responsibilities by taking the steps necessary to incorporate into their national legislation provisions criminalizing sexual violence and excluding amnesty laws for the most serious crimes, including sexual violence.

My delegation applauds the efforts made in this regard by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The actions and proceedings before the ICC have clearly helped to strengthen the fight against impunity. I recall in this context that the issue of a second arrest warrant against General Bosco Ntaganda includes counts of crimes against humanity, rape and sexual slavery.

It sends a clear signal to all parties who commit sexual violence that the Security Council will not relax its attention to these acts. Impunity will not prevail.