In her brief tenure so far, Special Representative Wallström has brought leadership, passion and clarity to efforts to end impunity for the heinous crimes of sexual violence in conflict zones. She is playing a vital role in the United Nations efforts to support the response of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the horrifying mass rapes in Walikale, which has included the arrest of one of the perpetrators.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United States. Let me begin by thanking the Secretary-General, Special Representative Wallström, Under-SecretaryGeneral Le Roy and Lieutenant General Gaye for their very powerful and insightful briefings.

Finally, we cannot separate the challenge of sexual violence from the broader security issues facing the Council. Resolution 1960 (2010), its predecessors and our follow-up actions must send a clear message. We do not just condemn sexual violence and rape as weapons of war, but we are taking concrete steps to end it. We are working to make clear that rape and sexual violence are unacceptable and that perpetrators will face consequences.

Data collection is also vital for non-humanitarian activities to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. The resolution we adopted today will improve the collection and analysis of information required to better understand the patterns of sexual violence in armed conflict.

But obviously, more must still be done. We hope that the United Nations will continue to identify women's protection advisers and put them in more peacekeeping operations, and complete a gaps analysis of United Nations protection strategies.

Thirdly, we will be able to address the arbitrary division that has been created by a monitoring and reporting mechanism for children in armed conflict who are subject to patterns of sexual violence when no such protection is afforded to those older than 18.

The United Kingdom has clearly set out its commitments in its new national action plan. The plan was launched on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Second are increased monitoring, analysis and reporting. That will help us to develop a more comprehensive and integrated approach. More effective monitoring of patterns of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict should allow the Council to identify and mandate the action necessary to prevent it.

Nowhere is the need for concrete commitments greater than in situations of armed conflict. As resolution 1960 (2010) highlights, sexual violence continues to be a widely used weapon of warfare. It stigmatizes survivors, divides communities, exacerbates and prolongs conflict, and impedes the restoration of peace and security. Impunity for such crimes can prevent a society from recovering from conflict.

It is clear that the proliferation of sexual violence against women and girls is often aimed at marginalizing their contribution to society. It deliberately degrades the role that they can play in restoring the fabric of peaceful communities. So, in addition to the appalling human cost, there is a deeply damaging impact on societies as a whole.