Projects have also been set up for the economic empowerment of women through the establishment of a women's portfolio, a revolving fund for women for the purpose of savings and economic development, and small-business projects that benefit women, set up by the Zakat department. I would also cite a project involving young graduates, the establishment of a group for working women, and other family-oriented undertakings.

My Government has promoted such policies throughout all of the Sudanese provinces and regions, focusing on Darfur in particular. The projects are aimed at meeting the concerns of rural women first and foremost and include the financing of micro-projects aimed at alleviating poverty, training and capacity- building programmes, and awareness-raising programmes on health and nutrition, women's rights, education and peace education.

In that context, I would like to underscore that the Sudan's framework cooperation agreement with South Sudan will have a positive impact in promoting cooperation and assisting women in both countries, in addition to eliminating sexual violence in conflict.

Genital mutilation was eliminated in 2008, and the criminal justice system has introduced provisions relating to war crimes so as to protect women from all forms of violence in Darfur; that was done in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund and the human rights office in the Sudan.

Furthermore, my Government has undertaken various projects at the central Government and regional levels. Those projects depend on the specific requirements of the area and are aimed at strengthening women's participation in peacetime.

As we know, sexual violence in conflict is vicious and pitiless, and there is no sign of it abating. Rather, the roll call of shame continues to grow ever longer. Insofar as today's debate strengthens our resolve and brings us closer to achieving a real and life-changing impact on the ground, it will indeed be worthwhile.

A national strategy to eliminate violence against women was put in place in 2005. A unit on violence against women and children has also been set up. Special law-enforcement agencies have been established to protect women and children, and women's rights are also protected within the army.

Combating sexual violence in conflict requires the adoption of measures for the prevention, protection and prosecution of the perpetrators. In all those areas, the victims' cooperation is essential. However, as the Secretary-General's report points out, the lack of adequate information and fear of reporting for cultural and social reasons, which tend to increase in times of conflict, are serious obstacles to such collaboration.

Spain also shares the conclusions of the report regarding the role of the International Criminal Court. While the primary responsibility for the trial of suspects for acts of sexual violence lies with national courts, the Court plays a crucial complementary role at the international level.

It is an issue of great concern that affects sensitive areas, such as the protection of civilians in all kinds of armed conflict, the displacement of populations and peacebuilding processes, without forgetting its undeniable connection with other scourges, such as trafficking in persons.