Sexual violence is used not only as a method of warfare during armed conflict...

Sexual violence is used not only as a method of warfare during armed conflict, but also as a means to surreptitiously continue conflict after the guns have fallen silent. Sexual violence can be an important indicator in determining when conflicts might turn violent or when a conflict relapses into violence. To fulfil its mandate towards conflict prevention, it is therefore imperative that the Council continue to receive information on sexual violence, including on situations of concern that are not on its agenda.

Sexual violence not only attacks the dignity and the body of the victim, but also tears at the fundamental social fabric of the community. To build sustainable peace, sexual violence must be addressed throughout all stages of conflict resolution processes, starting with ceasefire agreements and the presence of adequate gender expertise at the peace table. When provisions on sexual violence are not part of ceasefire agreements, such violence can be used, in effect, to continue acts of war, thereby undermining efforts to reduce violence and leading to a cycle of vengeance.

Moreover, research shows that when sexual violence is not addressed in the early stages of mediation efforts, the issue is likely to be ignored throughout later efforts to create and maintain peace. Hence, we welcome the work of the Department of Political Affairs to produce guidance for mediators on addressing conflict-related sexual violence in mediation processes and throughout conflict resolution efforts.