In the two and a half years since the Council committed to taking more effect...

In the two and a half years since the Council committed to taking more effective action to prevent and address sexual violence in conflict, we have witnessed a significant number of United Nations actions designed to turn rhetoric into action. The work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict has been integral to this effort. The landmark adoption of resolution 1960 (2010) 12 months ago demonstrated the Council's willingness to take measures to end the scourge of sexual violence in conflict. It is critical that the Council and Member States implement resolution 1960 (2010) fully.

Australia strongly supports the work of the Special Representative, particularly the increasing use of field visits and direct engagement with parties to conflict. We encourage the Council to receive regular briefings from the Special Representative when she considers issues related to sexual violence to be relevant to its deliberations. That would help the Council to undertake its preventive role.