Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform

Based on our responsibility to provide protection and accountability and to prosecute the perpetrators of such terrible crimes against the people of Iraq, we have adopted a number of practical measures, the most important of which was the signing of the joint communiqué between the Iraqi Government, represented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict on 23 Sept

Third, we welcome the work of the United Nations Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, in cooperation with the United Nations specialized funds, programmes and agencies, particularly with regard to building the capacities of States in armed conflict or post-conflict situations in the areas of investigation, prosecution, military justice, legislative reform, protection of witnesses and reparations.

As we speak, sexual violence against women and girls and men and boys continues in conflict zones throughout the world, and those responsible for such acts often go unpunished.

The Security Council should look more closely at the possibility of referring cases deemed to be particularly important to the International Criminal Court, for example those involving gender-based crimes. The solid case law of international criminal tribunals relating to sexual violence can and should also be used in national proceedings against alleged perpetrators. It is equally important to address the root causes of the scourge.

At this stage, we need to pay special attention to access to justice and reparations for victims of the armed conflict, because we cannot forget that 51 per cent of the officially registered victims of the armed conflict are women. That is why we have established a gender perspective as part of our targeted approach.

Justice and accountability are means of prevention. Indeed, a climate of impunity discourages reporting, undermines assistance and abets further violations. We therefore call for accountability for crimes of sexual violence in armed conflict.

We recall that the issue of access to justice for all victims and the punishment of perpetrators are of central importance in confronting the threat of sexual violence in conflict and upholding respect for international humanitarian law. Conflict resolution processes must take into account the legal, medical and psychosocial needs of victims of sexual violence.

We reaffirm the critical need to ensure that those responsible for such acts of violence are held accountable before the justice system and to eliminate all structural obstacles that hamper investigation and prosecution of rape and other forms of sexual violence. Moreover, due attention to and the rehabilitation of the victims are critical to any process of building sustainable peace.

We also recognize the framework of collaboration and commitment of the African Union and the United Nations in implementing the women and peace and security agenda and in the fight against sexual violence in armed conflicts, the impunity of the perpetrators of those atrocities and ensuring accountability for those crimes.

We absolutely agree with all the briefers today and with the report of the Secretary-General that the international community should ensure accountability for all cases of sexual violence in conflict and bring about a resolute end to impunity. State and non-State parties to a conflict must be pressured to comply with international law.