We support the recommendation of the Secretary General that sexual violence ...

We support the recommendation of the Secretary General that sexual violence be included in the definition of acts that are prohibited under ceasefire agreements and peace and reconciliation processes. To date, only a few such agreements address this issue. If it is not addressed in an integrated way, there is a risk that sexual violence will continue to be used as a weapon of war.

At the national level, we must have effective national legislative frameworks that prevent sexual violence, eradicate impunity and provide for educational and awareness-raising programmes to prevent the stigmatization of victims. As we all know, this is one of the root causes of impunity.