Collectively we must change the calculus of anyone who thinks that they can u...

Collectively we must change the calculus of anyone who thinks that they can use the fog of war as cover to get away with rape and other forms of sexual abuse. We must shift the stigma for such crimes from the victim to the perpetrator. We must ensure there is nowhere to hide for those guilty of grave violations of human rights. We must, as Special Representative Bangura said, hold perpetrators accountable. Where violations do occur, we must empower survivors to speak out,safe in the knowledge that they will be supported and protected and able to access services and legal redress. I am pleased that since the publication of the Secretary-General's report on 13 March, Chad, Lesotho, Saint Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, have all endorsed the Declaration of Commitment, taking the number of endorsing countries to 145. That is hugely encouraging.