The Security Council has recognized that the protection of women is a critica...

The Security Council has recognized that the protection of women is a critical priority for peace and security. Resolutions 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010) clearly establish the fight against sexual violence in its agenda. The Council has created the necessary tools to obtain reliable and accurate information on sexual violence: a common definition of sexual violence and common methodologies for data collection through a monitoring and reporting mechanism are now used throughout the system. Another promising tool at the disposal of Member States is the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law, and Portugal welcomes the technical cooperation that was provided at the request of national authorities in six countries, including Côte d'Ivoire, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.