"We have to talk about sensitive issues when it comes to HIV and AIDS. A...

"We have to talk about sensitive issues when it comes to HIV and AIDS. And we must be frank about where we are falling short. The Council has made major strides in addressing sexual violence in conflict. But rape is still a weapon of choice. This is an atrocious human rights violation. It is a war crime. And it is a public health threat.Women and girls are extremely vulnerable as victims – but more than that, they are agents of progress and change.I urge all Member States to link efforts to combat HIV and AIDS with our campaigns against sexual violence and for the rights of women. That means addressing the dangerous interaction between AIDS, the international drug trade, sex trafficking and the abuse of women. This problem is not getting the attention it deserves. We also need action after the ink dries on agreements and the guns fall silent. We need to help shattered societies prevent the spread of HIV. And we must provide treatment to everyone who needs it."