Implementation

My delegation supports the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General, and co-sponsored the resolution submitted to the Council.

First, in cooperation with the Government of the Netherlands, we have launched a joint civilian-military training exercise on gender-based violence and the protection of civilians, as mentioned yesterday by the Permanent Representative of the Netherlands in his statement. Secondly, Spanish cooperation funds activities promoted by civil society to combat sexual violence in situations of conflict in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Brazil.

We look forward to the strategic framework on civilian protection and the series of scenario-based training modules, which will also address sexual violence, that are being finalized by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support.

Sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations takes many forms, not just rape. Under international law, sexual violence constitutes different forms of crimes and acts. Although the victims of sexual violence are predominantly women and girls, we should not forget that sexual violence is also committed against boys and men.

It is of the utmost importance to prevent the continuing sexual violence by fighting impunity. In that regard, the role of international criminal justice should be recognized, in particular that of the International Criminal Court.

I would like to take this opportunity to inform the Council that, a month ago, Slovenia adopted its 2010- 2015 national action plan for the implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008). One of the three main objectives of the plan is to prevent sexual violence against women and girls and to protect them during and after armed conflict.

As timely, objective, accurate and reliable information is fundamental in addressing conflict-related sexual violence, Slovenia supports the recommendation to establish a monitoring and reporting mechanism that would build on the experience and practice of the mechanism established under resolutions 1612 (2005) and 1882 (2009), on children and armed conflict.

We are grateful to the Secretary-General for his thematic report for today's meeting (S/2010/604). A number of proposals in the document to strengthen our fight against sexual violence have been embodied in a practical manner in today's resolution. We support the recommendation of giving the Secretary-General the right to make lists of parties suspected of sexual violence in conflict.

There are many different types of conflict around the globe. However, from the standpoint of the Council's purposes under the Charter, the Council's attention must be focused only on those conflicts which are a threat to peace and security. Consequently, the instruments adopted today, such as the practice of making lists of violators and agreements on monitoring, analysis and accountability, must also be used in that context.

I would also like to emphasize that the efforts of the international community will be in vain without the consent and active participation of national Governments, which have the major responsibility for handling the entire range of issues to care for and protect their people.