Italy
"I wish to congratulate you, Madame President, on organizing this open d...
"I wish to congratulate you, Madame President, on organizing this open debate of the Security Council, as well as to commend your commitment to an issue of the utmost importance to the international community. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General, Special Representative Margot Wallström, Under-Secretary-General Alain Le Roy and Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye, the Military Adviser, for their briefings, which have given us a clear picture of the serious challenges involved in protecting women from the scourge of sexual violence in conflict."
"Let me start by expressing our deep appreciation for resolution 1960 (2...
"Let me start by expressing our deep appreciation for resolution 1960 (2010), which has been adopted today and which Italy was proud to have co-sponsored. By requesting the establishment of monitoring and reporting arrangements for conflict-related sexual violence, the Security Council has taken an important step forward. Timely and accurate information will enhance the Council's ability to track and deter this heinous crime. It will still be up to the Council to take the necessary measures to translate these elements into concrete action; which brings me to an issue that is often invoked incases of human rights violations, namely, the impunity of perpetrators. We must reverse the social dynamics that allow sexual violence to perpetuate itself, moving from stigmatizing the victims to criminalizing the authors."
"That goal can be achieved by various means: adopting sanctions or targe...
"That goal can be achieved by various means: adopting sanctions or targeted measures, referring matters to the International Criminal Court when necessary and naming and shaming perpetrators at every opportunity. We therefore welcome the Council's decision to encourage the Secretary-General to list in his reports the parties who have engaged in patterns of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. That decision is a step in the right direction."
"Conflict-related sexual violence is a threat to security and an impedim...
"Conflict-related sexual violence is a threat to security and an impediment to peacebuilding in many parts of the world, not only in the crisis areas on the Council's agenda. In today's conflicts, sexual violence is not just collateral damage but an actual front-line strategy. There are two areas that we deem particularly important."
"The first is the need to address sexual violence in peace and mediation...
"The first is the need to address sexual violence in peace and mediation processes. If women do not have a say in peace processes and sexual violence is not addressed in the agreements aimed at ending a conflict, gender-based discrimination and violence will remain embedded in society."
"The second is the importance of giving systematic consideration to sexu...
"The second is the importance of giving systematic consideration to sexual violence in authorizations and renewals of peacekeeping and special political missions. Moreover, when missions are mandated, technical assessments of country situations should include gender expertise. "
"In 2008, Italy, in its capacity as a member of the Security Council, wa...
"In 2008, Italy, in its capacity as a member of the Security Council, was one of the strongest advocates of resolution 1820 (2008), on sexual violence in conflict. We also supported the appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General. At the national level, we are finalizing a plan of action to implement resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. The draft plan includes the protection of women and girls from sexual violence. The specific focus is on the assistance, recovery and psycho-physical rehabilitation of victims, as well as on special training for our staff deployed in peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions."
"In conclusion, Italy remains fully committed to implementing the resolu...
"In conclusion, Italy remains fully committed to implementing the resolutions of the Security Council in the area of women and peace and security, including the important resolution adopted today. "