Germany
The appointment of Ms. Wallström in February this year was an important ...
The appointment of Ms. Wallström in February this year was an important signal that increased and focused action would be undertaken in the fight against the scourge of sexual violence in conflict. No one can deny that sexual violence in armed conflict is an abhorrent crime that in some conflict areas is systematically used to destabilize whole societies, and thus constitutes a serious security problem requiring a systematic response, including by the Security Council. With the adoption of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009), the Council gave this issue the comprehensive and global attention it deserves. We therefore strongly welcome the Secretary-General's report (S/2010/604) and its recommendations, which are reflected in the new resolution 1960 (2010) adopted by the Security Council today. It is a good resolution. We commend all Security Council members for agreeing on this important document in such a short period of time. This underlines the urgency of the problem and shows that the Council is sincerely committed to tackling this issue.
As exact data is indispensable to taking timely and concrete action to preven...
As exact data is indispensable to taking timely and concrete action to prevent and react to sexual violence, Germany fully supports the creation of a new mechanism that may help to collect relevant data. This mechanism should work similarly to and in close cooperation with the one already existing on children and armed conflict, and also take into account the indicators endorsed by the Security Council in October during its open debate (see S/PV.6411) on resolution 1325 (2000).
Collecting data is not enough, but it is a much- needed first step in the fig...
Collecting data is not enough, but it is a much- needed first step in the fight against impunity. Perpetrators have to be brought to justice. Bearing in mind the main responsibility of States to investigate and prosecute those abominable crimes, international cooperation and the continued leadership of the Security Council are also of utmost importance. We therefore support the Secretary General's proposal to set up a listing and de-listing mechanism, such as that for sexual violence against children. Moreover, the Council must make full use of all existing instruments at its disposal, such as relevant sanctions committees, to address sexual violence, including by referring relevant cases to the International Criminal Court.
Moreover, we must strive to find better ways of guaranteeing the safety and p...
Moreover, we must strive to find better ways of guaranteeing the safety and physical integrity of women and children during armed conflict. This includes early warning mechanisms, as well as more awareness-raising campaigns and pertinent training, including the training of peacekeepers. Germany supports several training programmes and awareness- raising campaigns on sexual violence, in close cooperation with United Nations entities.
Finally, victims of sexual violence and abuse need help to treat the physical...
Finally, victims of sexual violence and abuse need help to treat the physical and mental scars left on them and their families and to enable them once again to actively participate in communal life. States must therefore provide adequate protection services and find prompt and non-bureaucratic ways to support victims, where appropriate with the help of the United Nations system. Germany commends the United Nations organizations on their valuable work in this field, including the important activities of the Trust Fund in Support of Actions to Eliminate Violence against Women, which Germany has actively supported in the past.
Allow me to conclude by stressing that we can make progress only if all relev...
Allow me to conclude by stressing that we can make progress only if all relevant entities within the United Nations system, including the newly-created UN Women, work together closely, while also actively involving civil society stakeholders.