Statement of Gambia

We cannot speak of peace without taking concrete steps to outlaw violence against women. It is sad, indeed tragic, that women and girls are still subjected to rape and other forms of violence. Women are the soft targets in any conflict, and now we are witnessing the alarming rate at which the rape of women is being used as a weapon of war. This atrocity must stop, and we wish to add our voice in condemning it as a gross violation of human rights. Rape, with all the pain and indignities it entails, should not only be condemned but also prosecuted. It should be prosecuted as a human rights violation punishable by stiff penalties. Rape in war zones should be made a crime against humanity and prosecuted by all countries. Those who use rape and violence against women should have no place to hide, and we should articulate international laws that will give all countries the right to prosecute the perpetrators of this horrible act if they enter our jurisdictions.