My delegation believes that the mandates of women protection advisers in peacekeeping operations and special political missions need to be clearly defined and periodically evaluated in order to enable each context to be borne in mind and to improve coordination between among the advisers in carrying out their missions so as to avoid any possible duplication of work on the ground and to ensure better consistency in their work.

One of the major challenges facing the international community in this area is that of bringing perpetrators to justice to put an end to the culture of impunity. In addition to that, there is the serious problem that an overwhelming majority of survivors never have access to means of reparation and reintegration. Accountability mechanisms, both nationally and internationally, are therefore essential to address that problem.

Moreover, my country is also reviewing its legal and institutional framework with a view to possibly creating an action plan to implement resolution 1325 (2000). That process involves the relevant areas of Government and systematizes some activities already carried out nationally, such as capacity-building for our armed forces in the human rights of women and in gender equality.

At the same time, we should not forget that sexual violence in conflict is almost never reported as a result of the risks facing both survivors and witnesses, which complicates the creation of accurate records on the incidence of that crime.

We have made strides in addressing sexual violence in conflict, but we can and must do more to put an end to this scourge. Malaysia therefore reaffirms its strong commitment to efforts to address sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations. We will continue to work with others to advance the agenda and ensure the participation of women is mainstreamed in activities towards securing peace and security.

Violence against women is one of the most widespread violations of human rights and most broadly discussed topics. It is utterly deplorable that one in three women and girls experiences violence in her lifetime. Violence against women, especially sexual violence, has massive repercussions. The incidence of sexual violence in conflict, in particular, often has grave consequences for the security of women and girls during peacetime.

Underlining the importance of ending sexual violence, Malaysia joined many others in endorsing the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, which makes clear the collective view on the need for greater action to address the issue.

My delegation supports the zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse in all peacekeeping operations. We believe that it is fundamental to ensuring that the rights and dignity of women are safeguarded. Malaysia, in this regard, welcomes the delivery of scenario-based training for peacekeepers in several training centres to improve their operational readiness to react swiftly to sexual violence.

Ending impunity is crucial to our quest to put an end to sexual violence in conflict. We must move urgently to replace the prevailing culture of impunity with one that promotes the rule of law, justice and accountability.

We commend applaud the efforts of the United Nations campaign against sexual violence conflict, headed by Ms. Bangura, in particular the preparation of early warning indicators for cases of conflict-related sexual violence addressed by United Nations missions in Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.