We саn congratulate ourselves for the children who аге receiving а good education and for the parents who see them grow up without fear that they will sink in war.

The oppressed people of Palestine have lived under the rule of an occupying regime for 60 years, been deprived of freedom, security and the right to self- determination, while the occupiers are given recognition. On a daily basis, the houses are being destroyed over the heads o f innocent women and children.

Slovakia welcomes the establishment of UN Women – the UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women. We believe that this entity will help curb all forms of violence against women. We also extend our good wishes for a successful mandate to UN Secretary General's Special Representative on sexual violence in conflict.

Eradicating poverty and hunger, improving the quality of education, adequate employment, improving health care services and housing, improving maternal health, gender equality and environmental sustainability remain among the central concerns of UN programmes, funds and specialized agencies.

Gender equality must become a reality. Access to education and health for women and girls has been restricted for decades. They have been victims of poverty more than others. They have also been the targets of systematic violence in armed conflicts. It is high time to make gull use of their potential in mediation and reconstruction in countries affected by conflict.

Thirdly, victims of sexual violence must be provided with multisectoral assistance and services tailored to their specific needs. They must be protected against stigmatization and exclusion, and given the opportunity and capability to re-engage and reintegrate with their communities.

Sexual violence in both armed conflict and post-conflict situations continues to affect and threaten the well-being of women and girls in many regions of the world. Indeed, sexual violence in armed conflict and post-conflict situations leaves lasting scars for nations, communities and, above all, its victims, and may have a significant bearing on the durability of peace and prospects for sustainable development.

Secondly, breaking the silence and raising awareness are essential to the prevention of sexual violence and the protection of victims. Political discussion and initiatives at international and regional levels are of crucial importance to send the message of intolerance toward sexual violence, and that must combined with measures aimed at raising awareness at the grass-roots level.

Much remains to be done to address the challenges faced by women and girls in armed conflicts, as well as in post-conflict situations. ASEAN reaffirms our strong support and commitment to the implementation of the relevant Council resolutions to end sexual violence whenever and wherever it occurs.

Lastly, while States bear the primary responsibility for preventing and addressing conflict-related sexual violence, the United Nations system has a special role to play, as mandated by its Member States.