Implementation

The Secretary-General's report explicitly states, and we probably all agree, that this year was further proof of our inability to prevent sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. We need to do better in the future. The recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General indicate the way to advance, and we fully support them all.

The issue discussed in this open debate is high among our priorities. We remain committed to contributing to achieving the goals of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009).

Secondly, it is important to increase pressure on conflict parties and individuals to comply with international humanitarian and human rights law, and to enhance efforts to end impunity for conflict-related sexual violence. To that end, the Security Council has a range of tools including, but not limited to, the use of the sanction system or the competence to refer matters to the International Criminal Court.

Fourthly, we encourage United Nations agencies to continue efforts to increase the capacity of their personnel in matters of conflict-related sexual violence. This is particularly important with a view to the establishment of a monitoring and reporting arrangement.

First, Switzerland supports the establishment of a systematic sexual violence in conflict situations on its agenda. monitoring, analysis and reporting mechanism, as provided for in resolution 1960 (2010), adopted yesterday. The mechanism will collect timely, objective, accurate and reliable information about conflict-related sexual violence, for example on incidents, trends and patterns.

Finally, we invite the Council to systematically link thematic and geographical issues. When considering a conflict situation, it is crucial to include a thematic perspective, because the thematic issues on the Council's agenda are cross-cutting issues. To link that to today's subject — as deplorable as it is, sexual violence has become characteristic of many conflicts. It therefore calls for a consistent approach by the Council.

The international community must continue to combat sexual violence in conflict at the national, regional and global levels. We must end the impunity of perpetrators and provide appropriate compensation to victims, ensuring that they become agents of change and peace. The international community can count on the cooperation of my Government in that undertaking.

The body of standards established by resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1889 (2009), as well as 1960 (2010), adopted yesterday by the Council, is the main tool for combating sexual violence in conflict. The institutional structure being set up, and led by Special Representative Ms. Margot Wallström, is also essential.

Sexual violence in situations of conflict, like gender-based violence in the home, has remained in the private sphere for far too long. In his report (S/2010/604) on the implementation of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009), the Secretary-General affirms that sexual violence used as a weapon of war can become a way of life that continues once the conflict has ended.

My Government is completing the second review of our national action plan on women and peace and security, bringing it into line with the provisions of recent Security Council resolutions and broadening its provisions on sexual violence in conflict. In that regard, I am pleased to report three actions that we have recently undertaken.