Portugal
"I would like to thank you, Madame President, and the United States of A...
"I would like to thank you, Madame President, and the United States of America, for your initiative to convene this important open debate. I would also like to thank Margot Wallström, the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, for presenting the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/604). I commend all Council members for the adoption of resolution 1960 (2010), which Portugal had the honour to co-sponsor. That action-oriented resolution is already a landmark, and I am convinced that it will indeed make a difference, especially for women and girls, in so many parts of the world."
"Portugal obviously shares the views that were expressed by the European...
"Portugal obviously shares the views that were expressed by the European Union regarding the implementation of the resolution, but let me underline some aspects of particular significance to my country. The excellent report before us today provides us with a clear analytical framework for understanding sexual violence in conflict as a threat to security and an impediment to peacebuilding in situations on the Council's agenda. It also examines the causes and consequences of sexual violence in local communities, as well as its consequences for the conflict and the peace process itself. Moreover, the report provides us with very useful information on the significant progress made in implementing resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) with the appointment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, as well as with the establishment of a Team of Experts on the Rule of Law, in order to assist national authorities in reinforcing judicial systems weakened by conflict."
"We must recognize that much has been done. The legal framework exists. ...
"We must recognize that much has been done. The legal framework exists. Under international law, the definition of sexual violence is clear and, depending on the circumstances, can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, an act of torture or a constituent act of genocide. These crimes may entail individual criminal responsibility, including that of commanders. "
"With the appointment of Special Representative Wallström and, subs...
"With the appointment of Special Representative Wallström and, subsequently, of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law, with the presence of United Nations agencies and peacekeeping missions in the field, the Council should have the tools necessary to obtain reliable and accurate information on sexual violence. This is an issue of particular importance to helping the Council discharge its responsibilities."
"Concerning the Council's action on this issue, we believe that the Coun...
"Concerning the Council's action on this issue, we believe that the Council has been quite successful but that it still needs to reinforce its effectiveness. The mass rapes in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in July and August emphasize the need for further action by the international community. We can certainly consolidate and make full use of existing tools by ensuring adequate funding for the Office of the Special Representative and for the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law, and by assessing the need for women's protection advisers in relevant peacekeeping operations. "
"I would underline two aspects where the Council could become more effec...
"I would underline two aspects where the Council could become more effective. The first aspect is the need to improve the Council's access to timely, objective, accurate and reliable information on sexual violence in situations on its agenda. In this regard, Portugal strongly supports the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General and the decision taken yesterday by the Council to establish a monitoring and reporting system on sexual violence in conflict in order to ensure a coherent and coordinated approach at the field level and at Headquarters. The good practices of the mechanisms created by the Council to monitor the situation of children in armed conflicts should guide our action, and we hope that these mechanisms will enjoy the same level of success to combat sexual violence in armed conflicts. "
"The second aspect is the Council's action. Indeed, a Council that is be...
"The second aspect is the Council's action. Indeed, a Council that is better informed is also in a better position to take action. With sufficient information, the Council will be able to take, in a timely manner, further steps to influence parties to conflict to comply with international law and to make specific commitments regarding the prevention of sexual violence or the investigation of alleged abuses. However, if these measures do not restrain the perpetration of sexual violence, the Council needs to follow-up on resolution 1888 (2009). In this regard, Portugal welcomes the decision of the Council to use information available in the reports of the SecretaryGeneral as a basis for a more focused United Nations engagement with those responsible for such acts. This should be understood as sending a clear message to perpetrators of sexual violence that the Council is ready to apply sanctions to perpetrators who have been identified or who are credibly suspected of committing sexual violence in situations of armed conflict on its agenda."