Security Council Open Debate on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security, September 2010

"The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) illustrate the challenges we must face. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the protection of civilians remains the priority for the Blue Helmets' mandate. But the situation is not under control, as the Council is well aware, particularly in the east, as shown by the recurrence of terrible violence against civilians, of which I just spoke — in particular against women, since it is easier. The training of the police and army must lead to law enforcement forces being redeployed to liberated areas, without a security vacuum, and to the authority of the Congolese State, including in the judicial field, being lastingly restored throughout the Territory."

"In the year ahead, major challenges will continue to place significant demands on these dedicated men and women. Peacekeepers will play a critical role supporting the referendum in the Sudan; and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo we will require still greater effort and innovation from our peacekeepers as they seek to halt attacks on civilians, and in particular on women and children."

"I am pleased that the statement itself emphasizes reducing and resolving conflicts and also providing better protection to civilians from violence, including protecting women and children from sexual violence."

"One place where we need better coordination, and where it is absolutely urgent, is the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where sexual and gender-based violence against civilians has reached unimaginable proportions. Last year, after visiting the DRC and meeting with women who were brutally assaulted and raped, I chaired the Council's adoption of resolution 1888 (2009), to combat sexual violence in conflict zones. I regret to say we have not made progress. Today I am announcing that the United States will provide new funding to help implement that important measure of resolution 1888 (2009), including the establishment of a Special Representative's office and the ramping up of its efforts to support justice and accountability. We will also contribute to training and protection to those who work for accountability on the ground in the DRC, and to help the DRC develop and implement its own justice mechanisms."

"And there should be a special focus on boosting the number of women police officers and peacekeepers, like the Indian women I met who were serving so well in Liberia."

"One place where we need better coordination, and where it is absolutely urgent, is the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where sexual and gender-based violence against civilians has reached unimaginable proportions. Last year, after visiting the DRC and meeting with women who were brutally assaulted and raped, I chaired the Council's adoption of resolution 1888 (2009), to combat sexual violence in conflict zones. I regret to say we have not made progress. Today I am announcing that the United States will provide new funding to help implement that important measure of resolution 1888 (2009), including the establishment of a Special Representative's office and the ramping up of its efforts to support justice and accountability. We will also contribute to training and protection to those who work for accountability on the ground in the DRC, and to help the DRC develop and implement its own justice mechanisms."