Regarding protection of women and girls from sexual violence, we place high h...

Regarding protection of women and girls from sexual violence, we place high hopes in the new monitoring and reporting mechanism on sexual violence. We trust that expert teams will help strengthen domestic accountability mechanisms. The greatest responsibility, however, lies with peacekeepers on the ground. They are mandated to go into harm's way and protect civilians. They must fulfill this mandate more effectively when faced with situations of sexual violence. Most importantly though, we must once and for all eradicate all instances of sexual abuse committed by peacekeepers themselves. It is not enough to simply repatriate blue helmet soldiers that have committed such crimes. "Zero tolerance" for sexual abuse must finally become a reality.