Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform

I welcome the initiative of the United States presidency of the Council to convene this open debate. In adopting resolution 1888 (2009) last year, the Security Council improved the regime for combating sexual violence in armed conflict. My delegation reiterates its support for the work of Ms. Wallström, Special Representative of the Secretary-General.

At the same time, the Secretary-General's report (S/2010/604) gives cause for alarm. Sexual violence continues to be used as a weapon of war by parties to conflicts in a number of regions worldwide. We all recall the mass rapes committed in Walikale this past summer, and we expect the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to inform the Security Council about measures taken to assist the victims and to combat impunity.

The Nordic countries promote women's participation at all stages of conflict prevention, peace negotiations and peacebuilding processes. Sexual violence should always be addressed in peace and ceasefire agreements, and no amnesty should be granted for such abuses.

Preventing sexual violence should be our highest priority. Unfortunately, in many conflict situations, national Governments and the United Nations alike have failed to protect civilians from violence. Widespread impunity in conflict situations has led to a culture of impunity and the “normalization” of sexual violence after the conflict has ended.

Justice should always be sought with the perspective of survivors in mind. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has recently convened a panel in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where survivors of sexual violence gave their views on justice and reparations.

Investigating and prosecuting all acts of conflict- related sexual violence are both legal obligations and powerful deterrents. This includes holding commanders accountable for ordering, condoning or failing to prevent acts of sexual violence committed by troops under their control. We must find ways to strengthen national judicial systems and processes, including through the deployment of the teams of experts on the rule of law.

Better monitoring and reporting, effective measures against impunity and comprehensive reparations for victims all contribute to prevention, and that is why I am focusing on these aspects today.

The EU calls on the Security Council and all States Members of the United Nations to redouble their efforts, notably in the fight against impunity. Often, amnesty is given in the name of peace to combatants who have used sexual torture or sexual violence as a tactic of war. But there can be no sustainable peace without prosecution of perpetrators and justice for victims.

Perpetrators should be held accountable. Data collection and follow-up on the prosecution of sexual offenders requires urgent strengthening.

Continuing evidence of daily sexual violence in armed conflict and fragile countries underscores the need to intensify our efforts to prevent and combat such violence. Although attention has been focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo, alarming reports have also been coming from other countries, including countries that are not on the Council's current agenda.