Today's deliberations reaffirm the great importance that we individually and collectively attach to the need to address sexual violence in the context of armed conflict, as well as its impact on women and children. Our deliberations also provide an opportunity for us to take stock of what has been achieved and to identify gaps and challenges that still remain in addressing this scourge.
As stated in the report of the Secretary-General, we note with satisfaction that reasonable progress has been made to date in the implementation of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009), as demonstrated by the notable efforts made by the United Nations system, Member States, civil society and other actors, including the Secretary-General's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict and the United Nations Action against Sexual Violence.