Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

“As a post conflict country, we are aware that sexual violence in conflict is one of the greatest and most persistent injustices in the world today. We are therefore supportive of the UK Government's Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative and subsequently, the ‘Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict'. We support the work of the UN Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict.

“Myanmar is now combatting human trafficking, preventing gender violence….”

“Today, the enslaved women are looking forward to us to see what we will do for them, their sisters and their children. The sons and daughters of the victims beheaded by ISIS are waiting for our actions and for our reaction in the face of the atrocities committed daily by this terrorist organization, “Al-NUsrah Front” and others.”

“You are witnessing today what the ISIS, the most dangerous terrorist organization in the world at all in terms of funding and brutality, is doing to Syrians and Iraqis of all spectra and religions.

“We also call for special attention to be paid to achieving gender equality. Rooting out violence against women, enhancing women's economic empowerment and promoting their equal participation at all levels of decision making should be essential tasks in this regard.”

“It is a sad reality that, in too many parts of the world, women are among the most vulnerable groups. We continue to witness horrifying cases of violence against women and girls, including sexual violence. We call on all States to adopt urgent measures to prevent such abhorrent incidents.

“Zambia has increased its campaign to forestall the growing problem of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. This problem is strongly rooted in the prevailing poverty levels in some poor families and in the quest by organized criminals to make profit from selling off under-age girls either into marriage or to engage in other exploitative vices. . . .

“There is no time to lose: we must actively address what is happening in Northern Iraq where the so-called Islamic State is attempting to wipe out entire religious communities. Where children are being beheaded, mothers raped and fathers hung because of their beliefs.”

“Forced marriage is rape; it is violence against women. Early forced marriage is child rape, violence against young girls. The practice is abhorrent and indefensible. We condemn it. Even though some might prefer that we kept quiet. The discomfort of the audience is of small concern, particularly in the context of a crime that calls to heaven for justice. If this body does not act to protect young girls, who will?”

“We have become that country...empowering women in their political and economic participation, coming in at the top places in the world of women ministers, parliamentarians, and mayors”

“We combat violence against women and children head on, with firm laws and social programs for both, with commissariats for women in all municipalities of the country.”