A defining feature of most, if not all, conflicts is still the failure of par...

A defining feature of most, if not all, conflicts is still the failure of parties to respect and ensure respect for their obligations to protect civilians. Civilians continue to suffer from inadequate protection in situations of armed conflict, including discriminatory treatment, torture, sexual violence, extrajudicial executions, mass population displacements and ethnic cleansing. In many situations of armed conflict, sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war to strike terror and to force civilians to leave their native lands. Azerbaijan strongly condemns all acts of violence committed against women and girls in situations of armed conflict. It is imperative that all parties to armed conflict strictly abide by their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.