We know that conflict situations are usually characterized by the breakdown of law and order. The impunity that can prevail in such situations has a particularly devastating impact on the victims of sexual violence. Accountability for crimes of sexual violence is critical to changing behaviours.

We encourage the Council to remain seized of the need to deploy women protection advisers to peacekeeping and special political missions. The inclusion of relevant information in country-specific reports and in mission mandates must also be considered.

Security sector reform must address conflict related sexual violence. The development of human rights training tools for security officials will help to extend these efforts to detention and interrogation facilities, which are often beyond the reach of peacekeeping missions.

Over the past two and a half years, we have witnessed a renewed dedication by the United Nations, as well as troop- and police-contributing countries, to developing and implementing tools to prevent and address sexual violence, consistent with their mandate to protect civilians.

In the two and a half years since the Council committed to taking more effective action to prevent and address sexual violence in conflict, we have witnessed a significant number of United Nations actions designed to turn rhetoric into action. The work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict has been integral to this effort.

Today's debate addresses an urgent matter. More and more, we are witnessing a disturbing trend in the use of sexual violence as a political and military tool, the effects of which are grave and long lasting, often alienating entire communities. Although conflict related sexual violence is not a women's issue, it is a known fact that a disproportionate number of victims of such violence are women and girls.

In conclusion, although important steps have been taken towards our common goal of preventing and effectively responding to conflict-related sexual violence, much remains to be done. Armenia remains committed to working closely with the Council, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the other relevant United Nations bodies toward this noble end.

During the past decade, particular attention has been paid to addressing some of the specific crimes experienced by women and girls during armed conflicts, namely, rape, trafficking, enforced prostitution and enslavement. It is critical to ensure accountability for past and present crimes, and to not grant immunity to perpetrators. Otherwise, we would be providing amnesty for future crimes.

Allow me first to express my thanks to you, Mr. President, for convening this debate. Armenia fully supports the Security Council's recognition of the need to take effective measures to address conflict-related sexual violence. We welcome the recent report (S/2012/33) of the Secretary-General.

The third aspect is the breakdown of cultural values. War is pervasive. It destroys the common understanding of decency and respect for human rights. It kills morals. It breaks down social contracts. It erodes solidarity and trust. As I saw in my own country, war and conflict resulted in the corrupting prevalence of a militant culture, countering society's values, based on tolerance and respect.