Implementation

We firmly believe that international activities aimed at addressing sexual violence in conflicts must be coordinated among Governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations based on valid information and measurable results.

Proceeding from resolution 1325 (2000), in 2010 Serbia adopted its national action plan for the 2010-2015 period concerning the implementation of the resolution. In addition, Serbia also implements its national strategy for the prevention and suppression of violence against women in the family and intimate partner relationships, adopted in May 2011.

Significant efforts have also been made by Member States, civil society and non-governmental organizations in preventing and fighting this crime. However, much more must be done in order to fully eliminate sexual violence in conflicts. My country believes that the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence is of the utmost importance.

Proceeding from resolution 1325 (2000), in 2010 Serbia adopted its national action plan for the 2010-2015 period concerning the implementation of the resolution. In addition, Serbia also implements its national strategy for the prevention and suppression of violence against women in the family and intimate partner relationships, adopted in May 2011.

By signing the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict in September last year, 144 States, including Serbia, pledged to do more on the prevention of sexual violence in conflict and to better support the victims. In that way, a strong message was sent that sexual violence in conflict is unacceptable and that those responsible will be brought to justice, prosecuted and punished appropriately.

We firmly believe that international activities aimed at addressing sexual violence in conflicts must be coordinated among Governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations based on valid information and measurable results.

Fortunately, the United Nations — in its wisdom — has recognized the importance that women play in issues of peace and security by establishing UN-Women. While necessary, UN-Women can also be seen as the result of a distorted societal system and evidence that women have made concessions denying them certain rights.

Sexual violence is also a reality in Syria, the Central African Republic and many other conflict areas. In South Sudan, the radio is even used to call for the rape of women based on their ethnicity. We totally agree with Ms. Bangura that sexual violence in conflict needs to be treated as a war crime, not as an unfortunate collateral damage of war. It is therefore up to us as Member States to end this scourge.

We must also avoid duplication of effort in this area by other United Nations entities with relevant competence — for example, the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, the Commission on the Status of Women and UN-Women.

The prevention of sexual violence in armed conflict and punishing perpetrators should be considered in the context of the whole series of problems associated with conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction. That is the balanced approach laid out in resolution 1325 (2000), and it is on that basis that the work to eliminate sexual violence should be based.