The United Nations has done a lot, but needs to do more. As the report of the Secretary-General (S/2014/181) notes, the situation has actually worsened in certain parts of the world. Our collective efforts should therefore focus on converting commitments into concrete action-oriented preventive measures. We should collectively create a culture of zero tolerance for sexual violence.
Sexual violence, rape, molestation and different forms of sexual abuse committed by individuals or groups are egregious and reprehensible crimes. Sexual violence has been systematically used as an instrument of war in many parts of the world, as testimonies this morning demonstrated. Sexual predators target vulnerable women and girls, men and boys.
Secondly, ending impunity should continue to remain the highest priority. Perpetrators should be brought to justice and they should be removed from their positions of authority. We strongly endorse the appeal Special Representative Bangura made today to shift the stigma from the victims to the perpetrators of sexual crimes.
Fourthly, United Nations personnel operating in areas of armed conflict should be properly trained and equipped to provide services on the ground for victims of sexual violence. The inter-agency network Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict is a useful platform. The inclusion of women protection advisers in peacekeeping operations is making a difference on the ground.
Finally, the best way to eliminate conflict-related sexual violence is to prevent and resolve conflicts and address the cross-cutting issues of governance, the rule of law and economic development. The issues of sexual violence and the overall objectives of protecting the rights of women and children need to be pursued by the Council and the United Nations system in a holistic manner within their respective mandates.
Fifthly, multidimensional peacekeeping missions with relevant mandates play a key role in combating sexual violence. As a leading participant in peacekeeping, Pakistan has contributed to that effort. Gender sensitization has been a mandatory part of our training for peacekeepers and is a core cultural value. Pakistani women have also served as police officers, doctors and nurses in various missions in Asia, Africa and the Balkans.
Sexual violence is a violation of fundamental human rights and, in particular, the human rights of women. International humanitarian law and international criminal law are dedicated to protecting women from sexual violence. However, we do not see the indices of violence against women diminishing this year.
The determination to tackle sexual violence in conflict is not confined to the United Nations. At the regional level, under the auspices of the African Union, the African Solidarity Initiative held a high-level meeting in October 2013 on preventing and responding to sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict countries and beyond.
That is all part of a broader effort to strengthen institutional safeguards against impunity for conflict-related sexual violence. Donors should be encouraged to ensure sustainable funding for this valuable resource for the countries concerned. Nigeria shares the Secretary-General's view that the lack of capacity remains one of the major impediments to ensuring accountability, which leads to widespread impunity.
