Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform

The culture of impunity often surrounding conflictrelated sexual violence also perpetuates the vicious cycle. In cases where the State concerned is unwilling or unable to ensure accountability and justice for such crimes, the international community, especially the Security Council, cannot avoid its responsibility.

First, we should step up efforts to resolve conflicts all over the world so as to impede those who commit such crimes. That can be achieved by strengthening the role of the United Nations in mediation, on the one hand, and imposing sanctions by the Security Council on those who obstruct peace, on the other hand

We must make sure that those who commit these horrific crimes are brought to justice. Impunity for such crimes must not be tolerated. Our approach must include a variety of measures, including the adoption of stronger laws, more stringent enforcement mechanisms, tougher penalties for offenders and the provision of safe havens for victims to seek help, support, medical treatment, psychological care and legal assistance.

The State of Qatar expresses its deep concern over those inhumane practices against the brotherly Syrian people, in the absence of accountability pertaining to grave violations to  international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Syria Given the gravity of these crimes, which are tantamount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, the State of Qatar renews its commitment to support the International, Impartial and Indepen

Victims of both genders are often deprived of protection and access to justice [...]  The Human Security Network therefore joins today’s appeals and calls on the Security Council and Member States to redouble their efforts, particularly in the fight against impunity.

All perpetrators should be held accountable. It is of the utmost importance to prevent the trend of continuous sexual violence by fighting impunity. In that regard, the role of international criminal justice has been recognized, in particular that of the International Criminal Court. At the same time, we recall that the primary responsibility to protect civilians and bring perpetrators to justice rests with States.

We cannot deal with the issue of women and peace and security without addressing the suffering inflicted on women and their vulnerability in conflict situations, or without meaningful, coordinated efforts to protect women and girls. To achieve that, national and international legislation must be implemented, without discrimination, to ensure the judicial prosecution of criminals who commit crimes related to sexual violence.

First, within the African context, protocols, declarations, laws, policies and strategies for addressing sexual and gender-based violence, and, more specifically, conflict-related sexual violence, are in place.

It is therefore essential to ensure that all necessary measures are taken, to strengthen justice mechanisms, to hold accountable those responsible for sexual violence, and to end impunity. It is also of the utmost importance to address the persistent barriers that prevent reporting wartime sexual violence. We need more effective and rigorous investigations for bringing to justice the perpetrators of all these crimes.

Some legal and social remedies undertaken by the Government include the diligent prosecution of more than 200 detained Boko Haram terrorists in competent courts of law, as well as reintegration, reorientation and rehabilitation programmes and psychosocial programmes designed to meet the needs of each victim of sexual violence.