Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform

The African Union looks forward to the adoption of the policy framework and remains convinced that this document will be make a significant contribution to “comprehensively promote justice and accountability in ways that further the equal rights of women and the right to equal participation in decision-making” (S/2013/587, annex, p. 2).

Experience has shown that addressing issues of rule of law and transitional justice in those conflict and post- conflict situations has become an urgent and indispensable prerequisite for achieving sustainable peace and stability. Equally important is the need to address the gender dimension and to find ways to tackle issues of rule of law and transitional justice from a gender perspective.

Despite those notable advances, much more remains to be done on the continent to ensure that justice and accountability for violations, particularly against women, are brought to bear and that redress for the victims is provided in order to ensure that crimes perpetrated against them during conflicts are never repeated.

While transitional justice mechanisms and processes are entrenched at the national level, the African Union and subregional bodies continue to play a pivotal role in influencing the adoption and implementation of transitional justice processes on the continent.

Assistance to States in managing their own weapons— those held by their security forces — will often be the starting point. For States emerging from conflict, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes for former combatants must be carefully designed and implemented, and weapons accounted for. Security sector reform must include effective weapons management.

Before concluding, my delegation would like to reaffirm the need for continued attention to vulnerable groups, including women and children.

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.

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.

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.

First, ending impunity for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law is the first step towards establishing the rule of law in the post- conflict peacebuilding process. In particular, violence and crimes against women and children should not go unpunished.