United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict

Analysis provided by Julie Choi

“Sexual violence is not just a UN issue, but requires the leadership, national ownership and responsibility of States.” - Rwandan Mission to the United Nations

On April 25th, the United Nations (UN) Security Council held an Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict under the presidency of Nigeria. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zainab Hawa Bangura briefed the Council and Rhoda Misaka spoke on behalf of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security.

Reflecting the high level of interest in this issue, more than sixty Member States, in addition to the African Union and the European Union, addressed the Council. No outcome document was adopted from the debate. Many speakers noted that positive progress has been made in addressing sexual violence in recent years, but also said that existing Security Council resolutions on Women, Peace, and Security agenda must be translated into concrete action. Situations in South Sudan, Syria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were frequently mentioned by speakers. Click here for the full summary and analysis of the debate.