We cannot promote the participation of women and girls unless we ensure their...

We cannot promote the participation of women and girls unless we ensure their full protection. The Security Council must be vigilant in that regard. The targeting of women human rights defenders is a matter of grave concern. The Secretary-General's report (S/2012/732) describes the use of sexual violence as a conflict tactic across a wide range of scenarios. Greater efforts are needed to increase the prosecution of such crimes at both the national and the international levels and to address the needs of survivors. In that regard, we welcome the appointment of the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Zainab Bangura, and we stand ready to support her fully in that endeavour.