The report (S/2014/181) before us clearly indicates that the prevalence of sexual violence during periods of conflicts often leaves lasting legacies, with acute consequences for the security of women and children in the post-conflict era and beyond.

The elimination of conflict-related sexual violence would not be possible without addressing the root causes of gender inequality and changing the mindset of the perpetrators, victims and society at large. Victims should be encouraged to speak out and report violence.

Sexual violence has increasingly become a grave concern and has proliferated in conflict and post-conflict situations. Women and girls are raped, forced into prostitution and sexual slavery, and subjected to various sexual acts that leave them with severe physical, psychological and emotional trauma. Their lives are shattered, their hopes are destroyed and they are left with permanent stigma.

Namibia wishes to re-emphasize the importance of the role of women in conflict prevention and post-conflict peacebuilding. As such, we fully support the inclusion of women in security systems, such as the armed forces, the police and peacekeeping operations and special political missions in support of various United Nations resolutions that recognize that important role.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that Namibia condemns all forms of violence against women in armed conflict and calls for the full implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions. We also urge the parties to conflicts to abide by international legal instruments to protect women and other disadvantaged groups.

Furthermore, it is important to ensure that sexual violence considerations are explicitly and consistently reflected in ceasefire and peace agreements, as well as in all security sector reform, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes that involve the United Nations.

Capacity-building and technical support from the international community are relevant in helping national Governments deal with sexual violence matters. Governments lack adequate national capacities to investigate sexual violence cases and prosecute sexual violence offenders, and that, regrettably, impedes on accountability.

The Secretary-General's report rightly underscores that the slowness of progress made in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, as well as the impunity enjoyed by the perpetrators of sexual violence, promote a high-risk environment for women and girls

The reform of the security sector, accountability and strengthening the access of victims to justice, as well as awareness-raising of human rights and training within national security institutions, would provide better protection for victims

Protecting women against sexual violence in conflict remains a collective responsibility and requires us to act with resolve, coordination and as one to strengthen measures to stop the perpetrators and instigators of the violence and to prevent such violence from recurring.