Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan welcomes the increasing attention being paid by the Security Counc...
Azerbaijan welcomes the increasing attention being paid by the Security Council and the wider international community to this topic, which has contributed to developing a solid normative framework and to raising awareness on the impact that sexual violence has on victims, families and societies. The appointment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the establishment of a system-wide entity on women's equality and empowerment — UN-Women — has added a new dimension to the global efforts.
It is imperative that all parties to armed conflict strictly abide by their o...
It is imperative that all parties to armed conflict strictly abide by their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. Azerbaijan reiterates its strong condemnation of all acts of sexual violence in conflict. There can be no tolerance for such acts, and all the necessary measures must be taken to bring perpetrators to justice and put an end to impunity.
As the Secretary-General noted in his report, national courts remain the prin...
As the Secretary-General noted in his report, national courts remain the principal venue for holding individuals accountable for crimes of sexual violence. At the same time, the lack of adequate national capacity and expertise to investigate and prosecute acts of sexual violence remains one of the main impediments to ensuring accountability.
We note, in that regard, the efforts of the Team of Experts on the Rule of La...
We note, in that regard, the efforts of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, which was established pursuant to resolution 1888 (2009), aimed at strengthening the capacity of national rule-of-law and justice actors.
The Secretary-General also noted in his report that The focus of internationa...
The Secretary-General also noted in his report that “The focus of international criminal justice and mixed tribunals on combating acts of sexual violence, including rape, in the context of crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide, represents an important complement to national efforts.” (S/2013/149, para. 112). Indeed, where national authorities fail to take action, the international community should play a more proactive role in ensuring an appropriate response.
Unfortunately, not all grave violations of international humanitarian and hum...
Unfortunately, not all grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, including acts of sexual violence, have received due attention and response at the international and regional levels. Measures that are more resolute and targeted are required to end impunity in such situations. Commitments to protection efforts must be free of selectivity and politically motivated approaches and preferences. In that regard, Azerbaijan notes the role played by the Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conflict pursuant to her mandate.
The establishment of rules with respect to gross violations of international ...
Furthermore, past wrongs left unpunished or unrecognized often impede progres...
Furthermore, past wrongs left unpunished or unrecognized often impede progress in achieving long-awaited peace and reconciliation and can even play a key role in the eruption of new conflicts and the commission of new crimes.
We also support the call of the Secretary-General for the use of United Natio...
We also support the call of the Secretary-General for the use of United Nations mediation guidance in addressing conflict-related sexual violence in ceasefire and peace agreements.
It is also essential to employ all other available means to address sexual vi...
It is also essential to employ all other available means to address sexual violence in conflict, including mandating international commissions of inquiry and fact-finding missions and supporting the implementation of their recommendations. We concur with the Secretary-General that those responsible for sexual violence and other human rights violations must be excluded from all branches of Government and that the principle of no amnesty for perpetrators of such offenses must be applied and implemented.
It is important that the Security Council consistently maintain its focus on ...
It is important that the Security Council consistently maintain its focus on protection efforts, including sexual violence in conflict. Azerbaijan will support more systematic and frequent discussion on the topic.