New Zealand
As my delegation said in the April debate on sexual violence in conflict duri...
As my delegation said in the April debate on sexual violence in conflict during the Rwandan presidency (see S/PV.6948), it is vitally important that the Council send a clear message on the issue of sexual violence to the entire international community and that it does so through, inter alia, the strong statements made in debates like this. We welcome the United Kingdom's concept note (S/2013/335, annex) and the Secretary- General's most recent report on sexual violence in conflict (S/2013/149), both of which correctly highlight that national Governments have primary legal and moral responsibility for the protection of civilian populations, including from sexual violence in conflict.
Next, accountability for sexual violence does not lend itself to a one-size-f...
Next, accountability for sexual violence does not lend itself to a one-size-fits-all approach. The Council must be agile, inclusive and open to considering alternative courses of action. Presidential and public statements from the Council give voice to the international community's abhorrence for sexual violence and send a very strong signal that it will not be tolerated. But words alone are not enough, and, in appropriate circumstances, where national authorities are unwilling or unable to act, the Council should consider referrals to the International Criminal Court. Similarly, the Council should also consider the use of mixed tribunals and truth and reconciliation processes, and any judicial measures should be clearly victim- focused.
We also encourage the Council to include this topic in its annual consultatio...
We also encourage the Council to include this topic in its annual consultations with the African Union's Peace and Security Council. The perspectives and expertise of regional organizations are valuable in developing comprehensive strategies for addressing accountability for sexual violence in conflict.
We also highlight the important role that non-governmental organizations and ...
We also highlight the important role that non-governmental organizations and civil society groups can play in drawing attention to some of the worst abuses, and their related role as an important part of the accountability landscape — sometimes, as the representative of Germany has pointed out, by putting themselves at considerable special risk.
New Zealand welcomes the Council's consideration of this specific aspect of t...
New Zealand welcomes the Council's consideration of this specific aspect of the women, peace and security agenda, and we urge that it give consideration to the specific issues we have raised and that it also remain seized of the wider agenda, including women's participation in political processes.