Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform

Indonesia stands for zero tolerance of sexual violence against all citizens — women, children and men — in armed conflict. To that end, the effort should not be limited to focusing on improving the prosecution and elimination of impunity against cases of sexual violence in conflict.

Secondly, it is well known that sexual violence is a prevalent element in most armed conflicts and is sometimes even used as a tactic of warfare. Recent events in South Sudan, where radio broadcasts were used to incite sexual violence, are a stark reminder of that appalling reality. Most perpetrators still go unpunished and are not held accountable for their actions. Those actions destroy the lives of women, children and whole communities.

Fourthly, data collection is essential for our ability to prevent, protect and respond and is the precondition for any justice and accountability mechanism at the national and international levels. Women protection advisers therefore need to be deployed and monitoring and reporting arrangements should be established in all relevant peacekeeping and special political missions.

Accountability is first and foremost the responsibility of each State. Therefore, national capacities need to be supported and built. Justice- and security-sector reforms are essential. When effective prosecution in the State concerned is not possible, the only way to achieve justice for victims and survivors is to have those cases transferred to an international jurisdiction, including to the International Criminal Court.

The European Union continues to implement its dedicated policy on women, peace and security, including through close cooperation with other international and regional organizations. In that regard, we welcome the designation of Ms. Bineta Diop as the African Union Commission Chairperson's Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security.

In recognition of the critical need to investigate sexual-violence atrocities committed in conflict situations, one of the objectives of the AU Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan is to document atrocities of sexual violence with a view to ensuring the accountability of those responsible and fighting impunity.

Conflict-related violence continues to claim lives and lead to serious and irreparable consequences for its survivors, their communities and their families, including children born of rape. That is clearly reflected in the alarming information in the latest report submitted by the Secretary-General (S/2014/181).

Concerning access to justice and accountability, crimes of sexual violence must be prosecuted and punished under national and international law. In that regard, we emphasize the significant advances made in international law by the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the non-permanent international criminal tribunals relating to combating sexual violence in conflict, as well as national efforts to implement the Statute.

To reverse the near complete impunity that perpetrators of sexual violence currently enjoy, it is important that States build the capacity to ensure accountability

In order to enhance accountability, the Council could adopt targeted measures against those responsible for conflict-related sexual violence and include individuals sought by the ICC on the sanctions lists.