Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform

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.

My delegation aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the representative of Canada, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security, in particular with its call for increased accountability for acts of conflict-related sexual violence, which is best done by enhancing support for the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in establishing the monitoring, analysis and reporting arra

Delivering justice for victims of sexual violence also includes reparative justice. Liechtenstein is a proud donor to the ICC's Trust Fund for Victims, which adopts a gender perspective in all its activities and conducts programmes specifically aimed at assisting victims of sexual and gender-based violence.

We agree with the Secretary-General's statement that States are primarily responsible for holding individuals to account for sexual and gender-based violence. However, when national jurisdictions are unwilling or unable to fulfil their responsibilities in that regard, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in particular has a complementary role to play.

Kyrgyzstan believes it is necessary to take additional measures to effectively address impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict and to ensure the equal participation of women in mediation, humanitarian assistance and post-conflict recovery processes.

As was pointed out in the Secretary-General's report, addressing sexual violence in the context of security sector reform processes is of key importance. Over the past five years, Japan has provided $900 million to help support the Afghanistan National Police, part of which has been used for employing and training female police officers. So far, more than 1,400 female police officers have been hired.

International justice has placed a welcome emphasis on combating sexual violence as a complement to national efforts, in particular under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Comprehensive justice strategies are essential, including accountability and reparation, following a victim-centered approach.

In March, the Commission on the Status of Women approved agreed conclusions with a strong condemnation of all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual and gender-based violence. The Arms Trade Treaty, adopted by the General Assembly just this month, obliges States parties to take into account the risk of conventional arms being used to commit or facilitate serious acts of gender- based violence.

The first issue relates to ending impunity, which is absolutely critical to ensuring both accountability and effective deterrence.