However, despite these important efforts, the conditions that women and girls...

However, despite these important efforts, the conditions that women and girls face in situations of armed conflict continue to be abhorrent, and effective methods for monitoring the impact of the measures put in place to protect them are lacking, as pointed out by the Secretary-General in his report (S/2010/498). Rape continues to be used unabated as a weapon of war, as the events of July 2010 in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo shockingly reminded us. Out of 300 peace agreements negotiated since 1989, only 18 contain even a passing reference to sexual violence, which remains the least-condemned war crime. Of particular concern is the problem of sexual violence against displaced women, a phenomenon that is widespread and growing. One way to ensure prevention and a more effective response to such acts of violence is through the dissemination of the guidelines established by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee.