Security Council Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, August 2013

Monday, August 19, 2013

OVERVIEW

On Monday, August 19th, 2013, the Security Council held an Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict under the presidency of Argentina. The focus of the debate was on enhancing compliance with and violations of humanitarian, human rights and refugee law; humanitarian access reaching necessary populations and areas; and strengthening accountability in regards to violations of international humanitarian, human rights, and refugee law. No outcome document was adopted.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon opened the debate and was followed by briefings delivered by Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos; the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay (by video-conference); and the International Committee of Red Cross Director for International Law and Cooperation, Philip Spoerri. The meeting was chaired by the legal adviser to the foreign ministry of Argentina, Susana Ruiz Cerutti.

Several Member States, as well as the European Union and representatives from the African Union, also addressed the Security Council.

GENDER ANALYSIS


Although multiple Member States referenced women as a particularly affected group in armed conflict, only a few, such as Colombia, Croatia, and the Republic of Korea, made significant contribution to the areas of protection of women and girls in armed conflict and the role of women in prevention and post-conflict reconstruction.

Several speakers, such as China, Guatemala, Morocco, Pakistan, Togo, and the United States of America, referenced women and girls being particularly targeted in armed conflict and acts of violence, with some, including France, Rwanda, and the United Kingdom, noting associated sexual gender-based violence (SGBV). However, very few compounded on this statement to include the protection of women and girls during all stages of armed conflict—especially after their rights have been violated and abused—, the strengthening of accountability in regards to SGBV crimes, or the integral role of women in conflict prevention and post-conflict reconstruction. The Republic of Korea expressed concern for women, stating that SGBV is a prominent feature of armed conflict and, referencing recently adopted Resolution 2106 (S/RES/2106), stressed that accountability needs to be strengthened and perpetrators penalized. In addition, Colombia emphasized the protection of the rights of those affected by violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, stating that their rights—including women's rights and those affected by sexual violence-- should be included and protected through reparation. Further, Colombia noted its initiative in training relevant officials in the justice and handling of diverse protection cases, including those involving women and sexual violence. Croatia and the Netherlands were the only to directly reference UNSCR 1325 and the integral role of women in conflict resolution.

Overall, despite the focus of strengthening accountability and enhancing compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law, all but a few Member States included in these categories any significant connection to the areas of women and girls, SGBV, and protection of victims of such crimes and their rights.

GENERAL ANALYSIS


Briefers and Member States alike highlighted that there is still very much a prevailing disrespect for international humanitarian law in conflicts around the world, with multiple statements citing Syria and Sudan as such examples. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized that protecting civilians requires timely political action and prevention, for which governments— who hold primary responsibility for protection—need help from all parties and bodies in building capacity to carry out their responsibility to protect. Echoing this statement, a number of Member States, including Denmark, Guatemala, India, and Spain, stressed national capacity-building as integral to the protection of civilians, especially in armed conflict, and as an area of focus for contributions for the Security Council.

Despite the grave concern over international humanitarian law abuses and violations, multiple speakers cited the Arms Trade Treaty as a positive development and step towards the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Deeply concerned about the use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas, the Republic of Korea stated that the Arms Trade Treaty offered an opportunity to regulate that trade. Further, Hungary said the Arms Trade Treaty supplemented international law on protecting civilians, with Lithuania going further and stating the Arms Trade Treaty can also help in reducing SGBV and crimes against women.

STATEMENTS


Member States who spoke at the debate included representatives of: Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, France, Georgia, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Togo, Turkey, Uganda, Venezuela, United Kingdom, and the United States.

UN representatives at the debate included: Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, and the International Committee of Red Cross Director for International Law and Cooperation, Philip Spoerri. Legal adviser to the foreign ministry of Argentina, Susana Ruiz Cerutti, spoke in her national capacity, in addition to a statement by the representative from the European Union.

*States and representatives who referenced gender are in bold.

***
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Isma Aslam at isma@peacewomen.org

Please choose

General Women, Peace and Security
  • Country

    Croatia
  • Extracts

    Furthermore, Croatia continues to implement modern international standards through domestic legislation and to familiarize the general public with international humanitarian law. It goes without saying that civilians are the most vulnerable and unprotected group in any armed conflict — women and children in particular. But women can also play a specific and unique role in the prevention and resolution of armed conflicts, as well as in post-conflict reconstruction and peace consolidation.

  • Country

    Namibia
  • Extracts

    The Namibian delegation appreciates the fact that, since adopting resolution 1265 (1999), the Security Council has been addressing the issue of the protection of civilians in conflict and has adopted numerous resolutions on that issue. The international community has long had in place instruments of international law that provide the legal framework for the protection of civilian populations in armed conflicts. They notably include the following: international humanitarian law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and the two Additional Protocols of 1977, which established basic rules of conduct during hostilities and the need for making a fundamental distinction between the civilian population and combatants. Those instruments include the prohibition of torture. The protection of particularly vulnerable groups, notably women, the elderly, children and internally displaced persons, are essential elements in protecting civilians in armed conflict. It is more often women and girls who are disproportionately affected in conflict because, in many cases, they have been subjected to rape and other forms of sexual violence.

  • Country

    Chile
  • Extracts

    The full and unimpeded access of humanitarian assistance continues to be a sine qua non for the relief of affected populations, including in particular the most vulnerable groups, such as women and children. In that regard, we unequivocally condemn sexual and gender-based violence, including the use of sexual violence as a military tactic. Moreover, the effective protection of civilians requires that health-care facilities, schools, teaching staff, transport, humanitarian personnel and people seeking medical treatment be unconditionally spared from attacks and acts of displacement. We should always keep in mind that one of the most disastrous impacts of conflict is on refugees and internally displaced persons; we therefore need to tackle that challenge by taking measures that facilitate voluntary return, repatriation and reintegration.

  • Country

    Lithuania
  • Extracts

    Lithuania believes that the Arms Trade Treaty will help to reduce human suffering by ensuring a more responsible arms trade. We were glad to be part of successful efforts advocating for strong norms aimed at preventing arms transfers that could be used to commit or facilitate violations of international humanitarian law, in particular attacks directed against civilians, gender-based violence and violence against women and children.

  • Country

    Nigeria
  • Extracts

    In order to rededicate ourselves to the moral undertaking to protect defenceless civilians in conflict situations, it is imperative that we deepen our commitment to bolster accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. It is time to put our words into action and adopt standardized measures to bring persistent perpetrators of violence against women and children to justice. In that connection, the Council should take the lead by adopting targeted measures against such perpetrators. On their part, States must not hesitate to take appropriate legal action against perpetrators of such heinous acts, following extensive investigations.

Conflict Prevention
  • Country

    Croatia
  • Extracts

    Furthermore, Croatia continues to implement modern international standards through domestic legislation and to familiarize the general public with international humanitarian law. It goes without saying that civilians are the most vulnerable and unprotected group in any armed conflict — women and children in particular. But women can also play a specific and unique role in the prevention and resolution of armed conflicts, as well as in post-conflict reconstruction and peace consolidation.

Disarmament
  • Speaker

    European Union
  • Extracts

    Arms control and the fight against the indiscriminate and disproportionate use of weapons constitute an important pillar of international humanitarian law. The Arms Trade Treaty (resolution 67/234 B), which was adopted by the General Assembly, will be a significant contribution to the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. All EU member States have already signed the Treaty, and ratifications are under way. We believe that, by ensuring that conventional arms are traded in a responsible way, the Arms Trade Treaty can reduce gender-based violence and improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of men, women and children around the world. The EU encourages all States Members of the United Nations to sign the Treaty and will actively support its early entry into force and proper implementation.

Participation
  • Country

    Netherlands
  • Extracts

    We must increase our efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000), in order to protect vulnerable women in armed conflict. In building peace, we must take women seriously. We must include their views and interests in political agreements and peacekeeping operations. We welcome the progress that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations has made in that regard, and encourage further cooperation with UN-Women. All such actions should help to protect women and contribute to combating sexual and gender-based violence in areas of conflict.

Protection
  • Country

    Croatia
  • Extracts

    Furthermore, Croatia adopted the Paris Commitments and Principles — documents that strengthen global efforts against impunity for crimes against children. It is our view that continued attention to the specific needs of women and children, as well as to their vulnerabilities during and after armed conflict, must form part of any effective policy for the protection of civilians and of every significant peacemaking or peacekeeping effort, including relief operations. Failure in that field involves much more than a lack of political success: such failure is measured in human lives and misery.

  • Speaker

    European Union
  • Extracts

    Arms control and the fight against the indiscriminate and disproportionate use of weapons constitute an important pillar of international humanitarian law. The Arms Trade Treaty (resolution 67/234 B), which was adopted by the General Assembly, will be a significant contribution to the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. All EU member States have already signed the Treaty, and ratifications are under way. We believe that, by ensuring that conventional arms are traded in a responsible way, the Arms Trade Treaty can reduce gender-based violence and improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of men, women and children around the world. The EU encourages all States Members of the United Nations to sign the Treaty and will actively support its early entry into force and proper implementation.

  • Country

    Namibia
  • Extracts

    The Namibian delegation appreciates the fact that, since adopting resolution 1265 (1999), the Security Council has been addressing the issue of the protection of civilians in conflict and has adopted numerous resolutions on that issue. The international community has long had in place instruments of international law that provide the legal framework for the protection of civilian populations in armed conflicts. They notably include the following: international humanitarian law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and the two Additional Protocols of 1977, which established basic rules of conduct during hostilities and the need for making a fundamental distinction between the civilian population and combatants. Those instruments include the prohibition of torture. The protection of particularly vulnerable groups, notably women, the elderly, children and internally displaced persons, are essential elements in protecting civilians in armed conflict. It is more often women and girls who are disproportionately affected in conflict because, in many cases, they have been subjected to rape and other forms of sexual violence.

  • Country

    Colombia
  • Extracts

    Following the invitation in the concept note (S/2013/447) prepared by the presidency, I should like to reiterate that Colombia deems essential measures aimed at prevention, protection and the guarantee of non-repetition for victims in situations of armed conflict. My Government believes that the rights of victims must be guaranteed and reflected in assistance, attention and reparation measures. We are therefore establishing a risk map as a means of identifying organizations and communities at risk, including women's organizations. We are also establishing a network of observatories for human rights and international humanitarian law. We are training public officials and members of the forces of law and order in matters relating to the rights of victims to truth, justice and full reparation; women's rights; the implementation of a differentiated approach; sexual violence; and the need to coordinate and publicize the various protection programmes.

  • Country

    Netherlands
  • Extracts

    We must increase our efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000), in order to protect vulnerable women in armed conflict. In building peace, we must take women seriously. We must include their views and interests in political agreements and peacekeeping operations. We welcome the progress that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations has made in that regard, and encourage further cooperation with UN-Women. All such actions should help to protect women and contribute to combating sexual and gender-based violence in areas of conflict.

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
  • Speaker

    European Union
  • Extracts

    Arms control and the fight against the indiscriminate and disproportionate use of weapons constitute an important pillar of international humanitarian law. The Arms Trade Treaty (resolution 67/234 B), which was adopted by the General Assembly, will be a significant contribution to the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. All EU member States have already signed the Treaty, and ratifications are under way. We believe that, by ensuring that conventional arms are traded in a responsible way, the Arms Trade Treaty can reduce gender-based violence and improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of men, women and children around the world. The EU encourages all States Members of the United Nations to sign the Treaty and will actively support its early entry into force and proper implementation.

  • Speaker

    European Union
  • Extracts

    Unfortunately, it is often women and children who suffer the most in armed conflict. In particular, the use of rape and sexual violence as a method of warfare is one of the most serious violations of international humanitarian law. While some positive steps have been taken at both the national and international levels in holding perpetrators to account, more efforts to address this issue must be pursued.

  • Country

    Namibia
  • Extracts

    The Namibian delegation appreciates the fact that, since adopting resolution 1265 (1999), the Security Council has been addressing the issue of the protection of civilians in conflict and has adopted numerous resolutions on that issue. The international community has long had in place instruments of international law that provide the legal framework for the protection of civilian populations in armed conflicts. They notably include the following: international humanitarian law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and the two Additional Protocols of 1977, which established basic rules of conduct during hostilities and the need for making a fundamental distinction between the civilian population and combatants. Those instruments include the prohibition of torture. The protection of particularly vulnerable groups, notably women, the elderly, children and internally displaced persons, are essential elements in protecting civilians in armed conflict. It is more often women and girls who are disproportionately affected in conflict because, in many cases, they have been subjected to rape and other forms of sexual violence.

  • Country

    Chile
  • Extracts

    The full and unimpeded access of humanitarian assistance continues to be a sine qua non for the relief of affected populations, including in particular the most vulnerable groups, such as women and children. In that regard, we unequivocally condemn sexual and gender-based violence, including the use of sexual violence as a military tactic. Moreover, the effective protection of civilians requires that health-care facilities, schools, teaching staff, transport, humanitarian personnel and people seeking medical treatment be unconditionally spared from attacks and acts of displacement. We should always keep in mind that one of the most disastrous impacts of conflict is on refugees and internally displaced persons; we therefore need to tackle that challenge by taking measures that facilitate voluntary return, repatriation and reintegration.

  • Country

    Colombia
  • Extracts

    Following the invitation in the concept note (S/2013/447) prepared by the presidency, I should like to reiterate that Colombia deems essential measures aimed at prevention, protection and the guarantee of non-repetition for victims in situations of armed conflict. My Government believes that the rights of victims must be guaranteed and reflected in assistance, attention and reparation measures. We are therefore establishing a risk map as a means of identifying organizations and communities at risk, including women's organizations. We are also establishing a network of observatories for human rights and international humanitarian law. We are training public officials and members of the forces of law and order in matters relating to the rights of victims to truth, justice and full reparation; women's rights; the implementation of a differentiated approach; sexual violence; and the need to coordinate and publicize the various protection programmes.

  • Country

    Denmark
  • Extracts

    During armed conflicts, the risks faced by civilians will always differ depending on the context and on whether they affect boys or girls, men or women. Sexual assaults during warfare have horrendous implications for victims and entire communities and must simply stop. We re-emphasize the commitment by all Member States to end sexual violence in armed conflicts, and we welcome recent steps taken at the international level to that end. The inclusion of gender-based violence in the Arms Trade Treaty serves as an example. Women and girls who become pregnant after being raped as part of warfare in an armed conflict must have access to adequate sexual and reproductive health services, including access to emergency contraception and safe abortion. We need to eliminate the widespread impunity of the perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict, and we strongly support the work of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Bangura and other international initiatives to that effect.

  • Country

    Lithuania
  • Extracts

    Lithuania believes that the Arms Trade Treaty will help to reduce human suffering by ensuring a more responsible arms trade. We were glad to be part of successful efforts advocating for strong norms aimed at preventing arms transfers that could be used to commit or facilitate violations of international humanitarian law, in particular attacks directed against civilians, gender-based violence and violence against women and children.

  • Country

    Netherlands
  • Extracts

    We must increase our efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000), in order to protect vulnerable women in armed conflict. In building peace, we must take women seriously. We must include their views and interests in political agreements and peacekeeping operations. We welcome the progress that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations has made in that regard, and encourage further cooperation with UN-Women. All such actions should help to protect women and contribute to combating sexual and gender-based violence in areas of conflict.

  • Country

    Nigeria
  • Extracts

    In order to rededicate ourselves to the moral undertaking to protect defenceless civilians in conflict situations, it is imperative that we deepen our commitment to bolster accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. It is time to put our words into action and adopt standardized measures to bring persistent perpetrators of violence against women and children to justice. In that connection, the Council should take the lead by adopting targeted measures against such perpetrators. On their part, States must not hesitate to take appropriate legal action against perpetrators of such heinous acts, following extensive investigations.

  • Country

    S. Korea
  • Extracts

    Before concluding, my delegation would like to reaffirm the need for continued attention to vulnerable groups, including women and children. It is deeply disturbing that sexual violence continues to be a prominent feature of conflict and remains widespread, even in many current situations on the Council's agenda, including in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Somalia, the Sudan, South Sudan and Syria. As resolution 2106 (2013), on women and peace and security, adopted in June, emphasized, accountability should be ensured for perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict, and women's political and economic empowerment should be further encouraged for the long-term prevention of sexual violence. To that end, the Council needs to strengthen its cooperation with all the relevant bodies in the United Nations system, including UN-Women and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Peacekeeping
  • Country

    Netherlands
  • Extracts

    We must increase our efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000), in order to protect vulnerable women in armed conflict. In building peace, we must take women seriously. We must include their views and interests in political agreements and peacekeeping operations. We welcome the progress that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations has made in that regard, and encourage further cooperation with UN-Women. All such actions should help to protect women and contribute to combating sexual and gender-based violence in areas of conflict.

Human Rights
  • Speaker

    European Union
  • Extracts

    Unfortunately, it is often women and children who suffer the most in armed conflict. In particular, the use of rape and sexual violence as a method of warfare is one of the most serious violations of international humanitarian law. While some positive steps have been taken at both the national and international levels in holding perpetrators to account, more efforts to address this issue must be pursued.

  • Country

    Colombia
  • Extracts

    Following the invitation in the concept note (S/2013/447) prepared by the presidency, I should like to reiterate that Colombia deems essential measures aimed at prevention, protection and the guarantee of non-repetition for victims in situations of armed conflict. My Government believes that the rights of victims must be guaranteed and reflected in assistance, attention and reparation measures. We are therefore establishing a risk map as a means of identifying organizations and communities at risk, including women's organizations. We are also establishing a network of observatories for human rights and international humanitarian law. We are training public officials and members of the forces of law and order in matters relating to the rights of victims to truth, justice and full reparation; women's rights; the implementation of a differentiated approach; sexual violence; and the need to coordinate and publicize the various protection programmes.

  • Country

    Lithuania
  • Extracts

    Lithuania believes that the Arms Trade Treaty will help to reduce human suffering by ensuring a more responsible arms trade. We were glad to be part of successful efforts advocating for strong norms aimed at preventing arms transfers that could be used to commit or facilitate violations of international humanitarian law, in particular attacks directed against civilians, gender-based violence and violence against women and children.

  • Country

    Nigeria
  • Extracts

    In order to rededicate ourselves to the moral undertaking to protect defenceless civilians in conflict situations, it is imperative that we deepen our commitment to bolster accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. It is time to put our words into action and adopt standardized measures to bring persistent perpetrators of violence against women and children to justice. In that connection, the Council should take the lead by adopting targeted measures against such perpetrators. On their part, States must not hesitate to take appropriate legal action against perpetrators of such heinous acts, following extensive investigations.

Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform
  • Speaker

    European Union
  • Extracts

    Unfortunately, it is often women and children who suffer the most in armed conflict. In particular, the use of rape and sexual violence as a method of warfare is one of the most serious violations of international humanitarian law. While some positive steps have been taken at both the national and international levels in holding perpetrators to account, more efforts to address this issue must be pursued.

  • Country

    Colombia
  • Extracts

    Following the invitation in the concept note (S/2013/447) prepared by the presidency, I should like to reiterate that Colombia deems essential measures aimed at prevention, protection and the guarantee of non-repetition for victims in situations of armed conflict. My Government believes that the rights of victims must be guaranteed and reflected in assistance, attention and reparation measures. We are therefore establishing a risk map as a means of identifying organizations and communities at risk, including women's organizations. We are also establishing a network of observatories for human rights and international humanitarian law. We are training public officials and members of the forces of law and order in matters relating to the rights of victims to truth, justice and full reparation; women's rights; the implementation of a differentiated approach; sexual violence; and the need to coordinate and publicize the various protection programmes.

  • Country

    Nigeria
  • Extracts

    In order to rededicate ourselves to the moral undertaking to protect defenceless civilians in conflict situations, it is imperative that we deepen our commitment to bolster accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. It is time to put our words into action and adopt standardized measures to bring persistent perpetrators of violence against women and children to justice. In that connection, the Council should take the lead by adopting targeted measures against such perpetrators. On their part, States must not hesitate to take appropriate legal action against perpetrators of such heinous acts, following extensive investigations.

  • Country

    S. Korea
  • Extracts

    Before concluding, my delegation would like to reaffirm the need for continued attention to vulnerable groups, including women and children. It is deeply disturbing that sexual violence continues to be a prominent feature of conflict and remains widespread, even in many current situations on the Council's agenda, including in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Somalia, the Sudan, South Sudan and Syria. As resolution 2106 (2013), on women and peace and security, adopted in June, emphasized, accountability should be ensured for perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict, and women's political and economic empowerment should be further encouraged for the long-term prevention of sexual violence. To that end, the Council needs to strengthen its cooperation with all the relevant bodies in the United Nations system, including UN-Women and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Reconstruction and Peacebuilding
  • Country

    Croatia
  • Extracts

    Furthermore, Croatia continues to implement modern international standards through domestic legislation and to familiarize the general public with international humanitarian law. It goes without saying that civilians are the most vulnerable and unprotected group in any armed conflict — women and children in particular. But women can also play a specific and unique role in the prevention and resolution of armed conflicts, as well as in post-conflict reconstruction and peace consolidation.

  • Country

    Netherlands
  • Extracts

    We must increase our efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000), in order to protect vulnerable women in armed conflict. In building peace, we must take women seriously. We must include their views and interests in political agreements and peacekeeping operations. We welcome the progress that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations has made in that regard, and encourage further cooperation with UN-Women. All such actions should help to protect women and contribute to combating sexual and gender-based violence in areas of conflict.

Implementation
  • Country

    Croatia
  • Extracts

    With that in mind, Croatia has been actively engaged in the Friends of Women, Peace and Security group of countries in promoting the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. In cooperation with civil society, a national action plan on the topic was created and adopted by the Croatian Government two years ago.

  • Country

    Netherlands
  • Extracts

    We must increase our efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000), in order to protect vulnerable women in armed conflict. In building peace, we must take women seriously. We must include their views and interests in political agreements and peacekeeping operations. We welcome the progress that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations has made in that regard, and encourage further cooperation with UN-Women. All such actions should help to protect women and contribute to combating sexual and gender-based violence in areas of conflict.

  • Country

    S. Korea
  • Extracts

    Before concluding, my delegation would like to reaffirm the need for continued attention to vulnerable groups, including women and children. It is deeply disturbing that sexual violence continues to be a prominent feature of conflict and remains widespread, even in many current situations on the Council's agenda, including in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Somalia, the Sudan, South Sudan and Syria. As resolution 2106 (2013), on women and peace and security, adopted in June, emphasized, accountability should be ensured for perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict, and women's political and economic empowerment should be further encouraged for the long-term prevention of sexual violence. To that end, the Council needs to strengthen its cooperation with all the relevant bodies in the United Nations system, including UN-Women and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.