"We must recognize that much has been done. The legal framework exists. Under international law, the definition of sexual violence is clear and, depending on the circumstances, can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, an act of torture or a constituent act of genocide. These crimes may entail individual criminal responsibility, including that of commanders. "

"Portugal obviously shares the views that were expressed by the European Union regarding the implementation of the resolution, but let me underline some aspects of particular significance to my country. The excellent report before us today provides us with a clear analytical framework for understanding sexual violence in conflict as a threat to security and an impediment to peacebuilding in situations on the Council's agenda.

"I would underline two aspects where the Council could become more effective. The first aspect is the need to improve the Council's access to timely, objective, accurate and reliable information on sexual violence in situations on its agenda.

"I would like to thank you, Madame President, and the United States of America, for your initiative to convene this important open debate. I would also like to thank Margot Wallström, the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, for presenting the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/604). I commend all Council members for the adoption of resolution 1960 (2010), which Portugal had the honour to co-sponsor.

"Concerning the Council's action on this issue, we believe that the Council has been quite successful but that it still needs to reinforce its effectiveness. The mass rapes in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in July and August emphasize the need for further action by the international community.

While Special Representative Wallström's fivepoint priority agenda recognizes the cultural and political aspects of the problem, we share her conclusion that sexual violence in conflict is likely to occur where the rule of law is weak and where adequate legal mechanisms and institutions are lacking. Consequently, legal mechanisms to deter the use of systematic sexual violence in conflict situations must be put in place.

The proposed monitoring and reporting mechanism on sexual violence in conflict is a welcome innovation, building upon that already in place under the children and armed conflict agenda.

The damage caused by the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war is far reaching. It goes beyond the immediate impact experienced by the individual. It goes beyond the families fragmented by such acts. The scars are deep and are borne by society as a whole. Such acts manifest abhorrent attitudes to women, threaten the progress made toward socioeconomic equality and impede women's participation in peace and democratic processes.

Resolution 1960 (2010), which we have just adopted, also speaks to the need for our peacekeepers to be fully equipped and trained to carry out mandated tasks relating to the prevention of and response to sexual violence. In that regard, Nigeria welcomes the Secretary-General's development of operational tools for the implementation of mandates for peacekeepers with regard to the protection of civilians.

First, allow me to express my gratitude to the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his report (S/2010/604) and his additional remarks here today. It is my firm belief that the work of the Security Council will be greatly enhanced by the report, which contextualizes our understanding of the causes and effects of conflict-related sexual violence.