Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform

Further emphasizing the particular vulnerabilities and addressing the specific needs of women and girls in the protection of civilians framework is a third way forward. Three sets of efforts are of particular, practical importance, namely: disarmament, demobilization and reintegration efforts; security sector reform; and capacity-building in the judicial sector.

Trinidad and Tobago holds firmly to the view that the prosecution of perpetrators of acts of violence against women and girls during armed conflict is a necessary requirement for lasting and durable peace. In that regard, we remain committed to our obligations under the Geneva Convention of 1949 and its Additional Protocols I and II of 1977.

As a State that seeks to fully honour its international obligations, we recognize the importance of resolution 1325 (2000) — a landmark resolution that not only acknowledges the contribution of women to international peace and security, but also addresses women's participation in all aspects of peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding.

Three months ago, just before the second Geneva Conference, 50 women from across Syria shared with us their priorities regarding the issue of sexual violence. They stressed that rendering justice was essential. Over a year ago, Switzerland, together with more than 60 other States, called on the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.

In the majority of the situations that have been observed, sexual violence is perpetrated as much by Government forces as by armed opposition groups. Our response to that must be firm: there shall be no impunity for the perpetrators of those crimes, and we will not rest until justice is done.

In that context, we would do well to recall the complementary role of the International Criminal Court when States are either unable or unwilling to render justice to the victims of acts of serious sexual violence insofar as they constitute crimes against humanity or war crimes.

In the legal and judicial spheres, the Office of the Prosecutor-General for crimes in Darfur, which was set up pursuant to the peace agreement, has established an investigation of reports from victims and complaints have been made. That is above and beyond the efforts made by the advisory council on human rights, the Ministry for Social Planning and the Ministry to combat violence against women.

My delegation commends the work of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict in enhancing the capacity-building of civilian and military justice systems to address sexual violence.

We believe that the primary responsibility for the prosecution of conflict-related crimes, including conflict-related sexual violence, lies with States.

The Rome Statute and the International Criminal Court play an important part in upholding accountability for perpetrators and the fight against impunity. Their role should be seen as an important element in establishing peace and security and the rule of law.