Mexico
One of the main challenges confronting the international community with rega...
One of the main challenges confronting the international community with regard to sexual violence in armed conflicts is to bring those responsible to justice in order to put an end to the culture of impunity. To that end, the Security Council must take robust measures against all those who are involved in committing those deplorable acts, in a manner consistent with international law. Given the scope and the impact of this type of crime, the Security Council must use every measure available to it, such as the adoption of sanctions targeting those who are responsible.
Likewise, as mentioned by the Secretary-General in his report (S/2012/33), the Security Council has the capacity to refer cases to the International Criminal Court and to mandate international investigation commissions.
We support the recommendation of the Secretary General that sexual violence ...
We support the recommendation of the Secretary General that sexual violence be included in the definition of acts that are prohibited under ceasefire agreements and peace and reconciliation processes. To date, only a few such agreements address this issue. If it is not addressed in an integrated way, there is a risk that sexual violence will continue to be used as a weapon of war.
At the national level, we must have effective national legislative frameworks that prevent sexual violence, eradicate impunity and provide for educational and awareness-raising programmes to prevent the stigmatization of victims. As we all know, this is one of the root causes of impunity.
My delegation would like to reiterate the importance that access be provided...
My delegation would like to reiterate the importance that access be provided to health care, to psychosocial support, to legal assistance and to socio-economic reintegration services for victims. My delegation would like to stress that although peacekeeping operations can help avoid this scourge, what is most important is that national institutional capacities be developed, under the principle of national ownership, in order to prevent this crime in the medium and long term.
We are encouraged that the Group of Experts, with a mandate designed to reinforce the rule of law and the capacity of national systems, has already undertaken some working visits. My delegation appeals for the Group to continue to establish synergies between existing United Nations agencies and mechanisms that have experience in this matter.