Nevertheless, justice for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence conti...

Nevertheless, justice for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence continues to be the exception to the rule, and holding perpetrators accountable has proven to be exceedingly difficult. Generally speaking, it is crucial that evidence be professionally collected at the earliest possible stage. That process may be assisted, inter alia, by the Justice Rapid Response initiative. Survivors of sexual violence also only rarely receive reparations. In that context, we particularly commend the work of the ICC Trust Fund for Victims, which adopts a gender perspective across all its activities and assists survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Protection issues are crucial, but we need the same level of emphasis on participation. The Secretary-General reports that sexual violence is also specifically being used as a method of curtailing the participation of women and girls in public life. That is a very worrisome development. Indeed, the voices of survivors, especially of sexual violence, are rarely heard. We must do more to ensure that survivors and their representatives and organizations are at the table when we work towards ending sexual violence. We are convinced that such an approach will have a strong impact on the willingness of the relevant actors to bring about change.