SGBV

We welcome the reports of the Secretary-General on conflict-related sexual violence (S/2016/361and S/2016/361/Rev.1) and on the implementation of measures to counter trafficking in persons (S/2016/949). We especially note the nexus between conf lict- and post-conf lict-related sexual violence and human trafficking. In that context, trafficking takes many despicable forms, from sexual slavery to labour exploitation or organ removal. The list is long and gruesome. We are concerned by the references to armed groups that regard the civilian population as a resource to be exploited, viewing women’s sexuality and fertility as commodities to be trafficked and traded as part of the political economy of war.

Importantly, trafficking is gender-specific. The most recent EU data show that trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation is still the most widespread form and that the majority of its victims are women and girls. In that respect, we call for a more gender-specific, targeted approach in all actions against trafficking. 

We remain committed to the implementation of the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, as defined in the Secretary- General’s Bulletin (ST/SGB/2003/13) on special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and abuse.

It is well known that Da’esh uses sexual violence systematically to fund its operations.