We are appalled by reports of rape and other forms of sexual violence that ar...

We are appalled by reports of rape and other forms of sexual violence that are being used as weapons of war, targeting in particular women and girls. That is not isolated to a single conflict, nor can it be regarded as collateral damage of war. It is of the utmost importance that rape and other forms of sexual violence in conflict be recognized as war crimes and crimes against humanity and fall under the competence of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Against that background, we fully welcome the further institutional dialogue between the ICC and the Security Council.