The situations of sexual violence in conflict are varied and widespread. That is why it is important for the Security Council to choose, from the arsenal at its disposal, the tools most suited to the different situations.
Less than a week ago, I am pleased to say, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Group of Eight in London adopted a declaration on preventing sexual violence in conflict, which explicitly seeks to carry forward resolution 1325 (2000) and its successors, and contributes to the normative framework of resolutions on children and armed conflict.
Tackling impunity is hard to imagine without a robust monitoring and reporting system. That may be easier said than done, however, especially where technical capacities are inadequate or where a critical lack of confidence in transitional justice create serious impediments.
With respect to a zero-tolerance policy, my delegation firmly supports the inclusion of provisions on a zero-tolerance policy vis-à-vis sexual misconduct by United Nations personnel in all the mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations and peacebuilding missions. For the time being, that is not the case, and we hope that the gap will be redressed as mandates are renewed.
When it comes to conflict-related sexual crimes, my delegation urges the Security Council to use the full range of means at its disposal to tackle impunity, including systematic referrals to the International Criminal Court, mandating commissions of inquiry and explicitly and vocally condemning such crimes.
The progress achieved in addressing the issue of sexual violence in conflict since the International Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda placed sexual aggression on the agenda of post-conflict justice is undeniable. The relevant Security Council resolutions have created an extensive toolkit for tackling conflict- related sexual violence.
The Council and individual Member States have an important role to play in those matters. My delegation welcomes the recent declaration by the Group of Eight, including the provisions on improved investigation and documentation of sexual violence in conflict.
Speaking elsewhere earlier this year, Ms. Bangura insisted that sexual violence as a tactic of war was as effective as any bomb and as destructive as any mine, and that it needed to be addressed with the same determination as any other deadly weapon used in war. Indeed, we cannot stem conflict-related sexual aggression unless we are determined to prevent, protect and prosecute.
On a broader scale, however, we as the international community should be using all means and opportunities available for stemming sexual violence as a tool of war.
My delegation would welcome enhanced interaction between the Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the relevant Security Council Sanctions Committees and expert groups, as well as between the Special Representative and the Council as a whole.
