Sexual violence against women and girls is simultaneously a war crime, a crim...

Sexual violence against women and girls is simultaneously a war crime, a crime against humanity and a grave threat to peace and security. In spite of the enormous efforts made by the international community on the ground to bring it to an end — in implementation of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) — too many women and girls continue to be victims of rape, sexual slavery and every other sort of sexual violence. Basing myself on the report of the Secretary-General, I should like to refer to three aspects, namely, improving protection for vulnerable populations on the ground, especially women and girls; strengthening legal provisions to better combat impunity; and strengthening the means for preventing outbreaks of sexual violence during conflicts.