Security Council Open Debate on the Impact of HIV/AIDS in Conflict and Post-Conflict Situations, June 2011

"It must be emphasized that in some situations HIV can negatively affect and be an obstacle to gender empowerment and the full involvement of women in peacebuilding efforts. Greater protection of women and girls has been emphasized through the adoption of Security Council resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009) and 1960 (2010)."

"Lastly, I would like to emphasize that HIV/AIDS, a disease that knows no boundaries, no gender or race, or even age difference, has become a global concern. On the other hand, world peace depends not only on securing borders, but also on securing people against threats and risks to their security. Through its work, the Council is undoubtedly committed to seeking solutions and to addressing the challenges that may arise. Resolution 1983 (2011) is a clear expression of our collective will and continuous efforts to enhance the responsibility for maintaining international peace and security."

"The issue of HIV and AIDS is also closely linked to the Council's consideration of women in conflict and post-conflict situations. In particular, the intersection between HIV and AIDS and conflict-related sexual violence is real and troubling. We deplore the grave harm caused to victims of sexual violence who find themselves infected with the virus as a result of such attacks and underline the need for the Council to act to prevent such acts and to help provide assistance to the victims."

"We underline that UNAIDS, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and other relevant actors should work closely with local communities, targeting vulnerable groups of persons. They can also be part of broader activities for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and security sector reform in peacekeeping efforts."

"On the ground, we must raise awareness of the parties to conflict regarding conduct towards civilian populations in armed conflicts that may exacerbate the spread of HIV/AIDS. It is also important to ensure the operationality of the HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment component in security sector reform activities and in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration mechanisms at the post-conflict stage. Finally, we must also strengthen programmes to combat HIV/AIDS in peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions, and continue to ensure the effectiveness of zero tolerance measures."

"In the post-conflict transitional phase the transmission of HIV constitutes a particular danger. There is high population mobility after conflict, when displaced persons find refuge in camps, refugees return home and combatants are demobilized. Infected persons pose a high risk of contagion to their extended families and communities."

"We commend the efforts made by UNAIDS and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations with regard to the education and training of peacekeepers. There is a need to further strengthen the process of voluntary counselling and testing in United Nations- mandated missions. Training peacekeepers in gender awareness and child protection and the ability to recognize and respond to sexual violence and exploitation will not only influence their behaviour, but also bring added value to the positive role of peacekeepers as agents of change."

"In the short term, qualitative UN peacekeeping interventions should focus on achieving immediate gains that would mitigate the harmful effects of the epidemic. Decisive action to reduce and prevent conflict-related sexual violence might present a critical intervention in an integrated UN strategy. In the medium to long term, such interventions could take on a much more focused approach. An integrated global response combined with resources and expertise can help countries that require assistance develop strategies for preventing HIV infections, especially amongst women and children."

"The issue of HIV and AIDS is also closely linked to the Council's consideration of women in conflict and post-conflict situations. In particular, the intersection between HIV and AIDS and conflict-related sexual violence is real and troubling. We deplore the grave harm caused to victims of sexual violence who find themselves infected with the virus as a result of such attacks and underline the need for the Council to act to prevent such acts and to help provide assistance to the victims."

"We note with concern the consequences of gender-based violence related to HIV and AIDS, especially in conflict situations, as expounded by the Secretary-General and Mr. Sidibé. Nigeria joins the international community in ensuring that women and girls in conflict situations are adequately protected. A significant challenge, however, is the absence of formal modes of operations in the many unconventional military compositions, such as militias. That makes it difficult to mainstream HIV programmes into those operations
and to evaluate progress. For that reason, among others, we welcome the inclusion of an awareness programme in the mandates of all United Nations peacekeeping operations."

"Unfortunately, Mr. President, we are still confronted today with an increasing number of cases of sexual violence in the context of conflict, at a time when conflicts are themselves growing in number and intensity. When combined with HIV/AIDS, these situations become particularly explosive ones."

"Indeed, when these two elements are brought together, they have the potential to generate devastating consequences for whole regions and states, striking the most vital elements of society, namely their youth, including in particular women and children, specially when rape is used as a weapon of war and intimidation."

"As we know, there is a high prevalence of HIV among women who have been victims of sexual violence and we cannot disregard this fact and its lasting consequences when we address peacebuilding strategies in post-conflict societies."

"Likewise, the adoption of the comprehensive strategy to eliminate sexual abuse in United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations is a major step in the right direction. The zero tolerance policy in these missions stands also as a key factor in this area, while a comprehensive policy to prevent sexual abuse should extend to all fields of the United Nations' work. Training in the prevention of sexual violence should be strengthened and integrated into policy and law enforcement practices."

"Do not doubt, Mr. President, that an effective response to HIV and AIDS through the prevention of sexual violence in conflict and post conflict situations, will greatly contribute to increase the capacity of UN missions in their tasks of protecting civilians and furthering human rights."

"Security conditions certainly influence the spread of HIV, which has a negative impact on all sectors and levels of society. It destabilizes the economy and contributes to the instability of societies. The HIV epidemic, exacerbated by conditions of violence and instability, increases the risk of exposure to the disease as a result of mass movements of people, widespread uncertainty, reduced access to medical care, and conflict-related sexual violence committed by members of armed groups. Populations fleeing conflict areas, displaced persons or refugees in camp settings are more likely to be vulnerable."

"We commend the efforts made by UNAIDS and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations with regard to the education and training of peacekeepers. There is a need to further strengthen the process of voluntary counselling and testing in United Nations- mandated missions. Training peacekeepers in gender awareness and child protection and the ability to recognize and respond to sexual violence and exploitation will not only influence their behaviour, but also bring added value to the positive role of peacekeepers as agents of change."

"It will be recalled that on 17 July 2000, the Security Council, at the initiative of the United States of America, adopted resolution 1308 (2000). Gabon, which had just ended a term on the Council, had supported its preparation. Resolution 1308 (2000) underscored the threat posed by the disease to the staff of peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions. Conflicts expose the issue of sexual violence that some combatants use as a weapon of war and that is a compounding factor."

"For some years now, Gabon has hosted numerous refugees from conflict countries and can testify to the effects of such migratory movements on the stability and security of the host country. Indeed, sexual violence is frequently used as a weapon of war, with disastrous consequences. Given the established link between sexual violence and HIV/AIDS in conflict and post-conflict situations, civil populations — particularly women and girls — are the first to be exposed."

"With respect to sexual violence, I stress the importance of continuing to implement resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010), given that the need to counter such violence, particularly towards women and children, is an important aspect of the processes involved in resolving conflicts and building peace. Such action allows their full involvement in these processes. To that end, it is desirable to create synergy between policies to combat HIV/AIDS and strategies to prevent sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations. I take this opportunity to invite the international financial institutions, in cooperation with States, to mobilize further resources to build the capacities of national health systems in order to ensure that persons who are infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS enjoy adequate care and assistance"

"UNAIDS estimates that HIV/AIDS prevalence is three to four times higher among armed forces and armed groups than among the general population. As we know, women and children are often the main victims of conflict. Rape, which is all too often used as a weapon of war, also adds to the spread of HIV among civilians. HIV adds to the stigma and discrimination these victims of sexual violence oftentimes face."

"In many conflicts, children are recruited and misused as soldiers, sexually exploited and abused. Under these conditions they are especially vulnerable to infection and therefore not only traumatized, but often also stigmatized for life. Germany is convinced that children deserve special protection in armed conflict and, if needed, must be provided with special HIV-related health care. We have set up a number of projects attending to former child soldiers and girls that have been sexually exploited by armed groups, including child mothers, and providing them with HIV counselling and care, for example in Eastern Congo."

"In the short term, qualitative UN peacekeeping interventions should focus on achieving immediate gains that would mitigate the harmful effects of the epidemic. Decisive action to reduce and prevent conflict-related sexual violence might present a critical intervention in an integrated UN strategy. In the medium to long term, such interventions could take on a much more focused approach. An integrated global response combined with resources and expertise can help countries that require assistance develop strategies for preventing HIV infections, especially amongst women and children."

In this context I would like to refer to the abhorrent and intolerable practice of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict, which could lead to the spread of HIV and AIDS.

"We strongly support the orientation of the operational and peacekeeping activities of the United Nations towards recognizing the plight of women and children in conflict areas and proactively work towards preventing violence against them."

"The issue of HIV and AIDS is also closely linked to the Council's consideration of women in conflict and post-conflict situations. In particular, the intersection between HIV and AIDS and conflict-related sexual violence is real and troubling. We deplore the grave harm caused to victims of sexual violence who find themselves infected with the virus as a result of such attacks and underline the need for the Council to act to prevent such acts and to help provide assistance to the victims."

" A better understanding of that relationship is crucial for the development of effective and efficient strategies to reduce the risk of infection in conflict and post-conflict settings. Many factors in those settings may increase a population's vulnerability to HIV. Massive and uncontrollable migration, the collapse of health services, the decline of literacy and access to basic prevention information increase a population's vulnerability to HIV in times of war. Conflict-related sexual violence in particular accelerates HIV transmission, and often becomes an automatic death sentence for victims who too often have little or no access to health care."

"We note with concern the consequences of gender-based violence related to HIV and AIDS, especially in conflict situations, as expounded by the Secretary-General and Mr. Sidibé. Nigeria joins the international community in ensuring that women and girls in conflict situations are adequately protected. A significant challenge, however, is the absence of formal modes of operations in the many unconventional military compositions, such as militias. That makes it difficult to mainstream HIV programmes into those operations
and to evaluate progress. For that reason, among others, we welcome the inclusion of an awareness programme in the mandates of all United Nations peacekeeping operations."

"Portugal commends the collaboration between DPKO and UNAIDS in addressing HIV and AIDS awareness among peacekeeping personnel, and believes that the United Nations should take the lead in setting the highest possible medical standards in protecting both UN personnel and the local population from this epidemic."

"In this regard, we welcome the measures undertaken by DPKO aimed at improving the awareness programmes for peacekeepers and peacebuilders, and, in particular, having HIV and AIDS advisers and focal points in United Nations missions. We believe that DPKO and UNAIDS efforts will have to be further complemented by ensuring that the medical guidelines for operations are fully implemented."

"It is important that countries increasingly harmonize pre-deployment and in-country awareness programmes, as it is as important to raise awareness of peacekeeping and peacebuilding personnel of the medical risks in the mission area, as well as their capacity to deal with them. We acknowledge the efforts already undertaken by the Department of Peacekeeping Support and the Department of Field Support in this area, including through In-mission induction training and education."

"Likewise, the adoption of the comprehensive strategy to eliminate sexual abuse in United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations is a major step in the right direction. The zero tolerance policy in these missions stands also as a key factor in this area, while a comprehensive policy to prevent sexual abuse should extend to all fields of the United Nations' work. Training in the prevention of sexual violence should be strengthened and integrated into policy and law enforcement practices."

"We commend the efforts made by UNAIDS and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations with regard to the education and training of peacekeepers. There is a need to further strengthen the process of voluntary counselling and testing in United Nations- mandated missions. Training peacekeepers in gender awareness and child protection and the ability to recognize and respond to sexual violence and exploitation will not only influence their behaviour, but also bring added value to the positive role of peacekeepers as agents of change."

"It will be recalled that on 17 July 2000, the Security Council, at the initiative of the United States of America, adopted resolution 1308 (2000). Gabon, which had just ended a term on the Council, had supported its preparation. Resolution 1308 (2000) underscored the threat posed by the disease to the staff of peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions. Conflicts expose the issue of sexual violence that some combatants use as a weapon of war and that is a compounding factor."

"We strongly support the orientation of the operational and peacekeeping activities of the United Nations towards recognizing the plight of women and children in conflict areas and proactively work towards preventing violence against them."

"We note with concern the consequences of gender-based violence related to HIV and AIDS, especially in conflict situations, as expounded by the Secretary-General and Mr. Sidibé. Nigeria joins the international community in ensuring that women and girls in conflict situations are adequately protected. A significant challenge, however, is the absence of formal modes of operations in the many unconventional military compositions, such as militias. That makes it difficult to mainstream HIV programmes into those operations
and to evaluate progress. For that reason, among others, we welcome the inclusion of an awareness programme in the mandates of all United Nations peacekeeping operations."

"Furthermore conflict normally fosters the displacement of civilians, especially women and girls, increasing their exposure to HIV. In this context we believe there is a need to implement effective integrated programs that address both sexual violence, HIV prevention and AIDS treatment in conflict and post conflict settings."

"Security conditions certainly influence the spread of HIV, which has a negative impact on all sectors and levels of society. It destabilizes the economy and contributes to the instability of societies. The HIV epidemic, exacerbated by conditions of violence and instability, increases the risk of exposure to the disease as a result of mass movements of people, widespread uncertainty, reduced access to medical care, and conflict-related sexual violence committed by members of armed groups. Populations fleeing conflict areas, displaced persons or refugees in camp settings are more likely to be vulnerable."

"For some years now, Gabon has hosted numerous refugees from conflict countries and can testify to the effects of such migratory movements on the stability and security of the host country. Indeed, sexual violence is frequently used as a weapon of war, with disastrous consequences. Given the established link between sexual violence and HIV/AIDS in conflict and post-conflict situations, civil populations — particularly women and girls — are the first to be exposed."

"In the post-conflict transitional phase the transmission of HIV constitutes a particular danger. There is high population mobility after conflict, when displaced persons find refuge in camps, refugees return home and combatants are demobilized. Infected persons pose a high risk of contagion to their extended families and communities."

"These conditions increase exposure to ill-health and consequently could increase the risk of acquisition and transmission of HIV. These conditions disrupt access to basic amenities and haemorrhage fragile public and health systems. Women and children bear the brunt of these vulnerabilities generally, but more so in the context of conflict and displacement."

"Do not doubt, Mr. President, that an effective response to HIV and AIDS through the prevention of sexual violence in conflict and post conflict situations, will greatly contribute to increase the capacity of UN missions in their tasks of protecting civilians and furthering human rights."

"My country is convinced that the fight against HIV and AIDS benefits from an approach based on respect for human rights and the safeguarding of human dignity. It is necessary to redouble efforts to eradicate the stigma and discrimination that affected populations still suffer, and that are an obstacle to controlling the epidemic. It is also necessary to strengthen sexual education programmes that are based on respect for human rights and to encourage the exercise of sexual and reproductive rights with a clear gender perspective and respect for differences."

" A better understanding of that relationship is crucial for the development of effective and efficient strategies to reduce the risk of infection in conflict and post-conflict settings. Many factors in those settings may increase a population's vulnerability to HIV. Massive and uncontrollable migration, the collapse of health services, the decline of literacy and access to basic prevention information increase a population's vulnerability to HIV in times of war. Conflict-related sexual violence in particular accelerates HIV transmission, and often becomes an automatic death sentence for victims who too often have little or no access to health care."

"As we know, there is a high prevalence of HIV among women who have been victims of sexual violence and we cannot disregard this fact and its lasting consequences when we address peacebuilding strategies in post-conflict societies."

"It must be emphasized that in some situations HIV can negatively affect and be an obstacle to gender empowerment and the full involvement of women in peacebuilding efforts. Greater protection of women and girls has been emphasized through the adoption of Security Council resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009) and 1960 (2010)."

"It will be recalled that on 17 July 2000, the Security Council, at the initiative of the United States of America, adopted resolution 1308 (2000). Gabon, which had just ended a term on the Council, had supported its preparation. Resolution 1308 (2000) underscored the threat posed by the disease to the staff of peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions. Conflicts expose the issue of sexual violence that some combatants use as a weapon of war and that is a compounding factor."

"On the ground, we must raise awareness of the parties to conflict regarding conduct towards civilian populations in armed conflicts that may exacerbate the spread of HIV/AIDS. It is also important to ensure the operationality of the HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment component in security sector reform activities and in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration mechanisms at the post-conflict stage. Finally, we must also strengthen programmes to combat HIV/AIDS in peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions, and continue to ensure the effectiveness of zero tolerance measures."

"Peace building efforts need to incorporate strategies that address the context-specific needs of affected communities. These could range from new and prolonged conflict, post-conflict, refugee camps with people in transit or stable environments, the needs of armed personnel, humanitarian workers and most importantly women and children."

"Indeed, when these two elements are brought together, they have the potential to generate devastating consequences for whole regions and states, striking the most vital elements of society, namely their youth, including in particular women and children, specially when rape is used as a weapon of war and intimidation."

"Portugal commends the collaboration between DPKO and UNAIDS in addressing HIV and AIDS awareness among peacekeeping personnel, and believes that the United Nations should take the lead in setting the highest possible medical standards in protecting both UN personnel and the local population from this epidemic."

"In this regard, we welcome the measures undertaken by DPKO aimed at improving the awareness programmes for peacekeepers and peacebuilders, and, in particular, having HIV and AIDS advisers and focal points in United Nations missions. We believe that DPKO and UNAIDS efforts will have to be further complemented by ensuring that the medical guidelines for operations are fully implemented."

"It is important that countries increasingly harmonize pre-deployment and in-country awareness programmes, as it is as important to raise awareness of peacekeeping and peacebuilding personnel of the medical risks in the mission area, as well as their capacity to deal with them. We acknowledge the efforts already undertaken by the Department of Peacekeeping Support and the Department of Field Support in this area, including through In-mission induction training and education."

"Likewise, the adoption of the comprehensive strategy to eliminate sexual abuse in United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations is a major step in the right direction. The zero tolerance policy in these missions stands also as a key factor in this area, while a comprehensive policy to prevent sexual abuse should extend to all fields of the United Nations' work. Training in the prevention of sexual violence should be strengthened and integrated into policy and law enforcement practices."

"Do not doubt, Mr. President, that an effective response to HIV and AIDS through the prevention of sexual violence in conflict and post conflict situations, will greatly contribute to increase the capacity of UN missions in their tasks of protecting civilians and furthering human rights."

"It must be emphasized that in some situations HIV can negatively affect and be an obstacle to gender empowerment and the full involvement of women in peacebuilding efforts. Greater protection of women and girls has been emphasized through the adoption of Security Council resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009) and 1960 (2010)."

"With respect to sexual violence, I stress the importance of continuing to implement resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010), given that the need to counter such violence, particularly towards women and children, is an important aspect of the processes involved in resolving conflicts and building peace. Such action allows their full involvement in these processes. To that end, it is desirable to create synergy between policies to combat HIV/AIDS and strategies to prevent sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations. I take this opportunity to invite the international financial institutions, in cooperation with States, to mobilize further resources to build the capacities of national health systems in order to ensure that persons who are infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS enjoy adequate care and assistance"

"We strongly support the orientation of the operational and peacekeeping activities of the United Nations towards recognizing the plight of women and children in conflict areas and proactively work towards preventing violence against them."