Implementation

In conclusion, I wish to note that all over the world, many women are denied their social, economic, political and civil rights. They are systematically discriminated against because of their gender. While I reaffirm Kenya's commitment to implementing resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1960 (2010), there is a nexus between violence against women and the economic and power structure.

Following the post-election violence in Kenya in 2007, the Government set out an ambitious plan to put in place a new Constitution and build and strengthen institutions of governance that would be accountable to and responsive to the needs of its citizens.

We also appreciate that, for the first time, the report lists parties that are
credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of rape and
other forms of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict, as per the
Security Council agenda. Japan strongly condemns the parties listed and calls
on them to make specific, time-bound commitments to ceasing acts of sexual

As the Special Representative has pointed out on many occasions, sexual violence
is never a by-product of conflict, and it can be prevented. We should focus more
on the prevention side of the issue. Japan welcomes the framework of early
warning signs specific to conflict-related sexual violence that has been
developed based on collective analysis by the broader membership of the United

Thirdly, prevention is always key. The SecretaryGeneral's report also serves this purpose, as it provides the information needed not only to react, but first and foremost to prevent. We look forward to the progressive strengthening of the monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements mandated by resolution 1960 (2010).

Fourthly, there is a need to systematically include the issue of conflict-related sexual violence in the work of the Council, especially when authorizing and renewing the mandates of peacekeeping and special political missions. The progressive deployment of women's protection advisers to United Nations missions is also critical.

The Secretary-General's report (S/2012/33) offers clear guidance on important steps that the international community must take. For instance, operationally, those listed in the annex of these reports should face additional measures from the Security Council sanctions committees. Israel also strongly supports the recommendation to include provisions for conflictrelated sexual violence in ceasefire and peace agreements.

Major General Patrick Cammaert, the former Commander of United Nations peacekeeping forces in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo said:

The report before us is testament to the need for a dedicated Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, with the strong mandate which the Special Representative holds. These are crimes surrounded by taboos and silence, consistently underreported and, even when they are reported, unlikely to be followed up. If there is to be any chance of penetrating the darkness, we need a strong and unwavering searchlight.