Kenya
When conflict erupts, its major victims are civilians, mainly women and child...
When conflict erupts, its major victims are civilians, mainly women and children. My delegation therefore welcomes the Secretary-General's latest report (S/2010/579) on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, which provides contemporary guiding principles on the matter.
However, continual cases, such as those involving the mass rape of women and ...
However, continual cases, such as those involving the mass rape of women and children by rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are stark reminders that action to stop such violations needs to be taken now. Therefore, today's debate provides us with yet another opportunity to reflect on the progress made, the challenges we face and the steps we need to take to address this recurring problem while renewing our political will and resolve to rally support for the protection of those helpless civilians who so often find themselves trapped in conflict situations.
Sexual violence is no longer a simple by-product of armed conflict. It is bei...
Sexual violence is no longer a simple by-product of armed conflict. It is being used as a weapon of war, aimed at dehumanizing and instilling fear in civilians in situations of armed conflict. Whether carried out by non-State armed groups or Government security forces in conflict and post-conflict situations, it is to some extent designed to achieve political and military objectives. The adoptions of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) addressing the impact of war on women, resolution 1820 (2008) calling for the cessation of all acts of sexual violence against civilians, and resolution 1888 (2009) establishing the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conflict are efforts that are expected to give new impetus to the protection of civilians in conflict. As the United Nations considers a new configuration in the Sudan, the issue of protection of civilians should remain pivotal.