Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

“2015 also marks the 15th anniversary of the adoption of Resolution 1325 of the Council of Security on women, peace and security. We reiterate our call to end impunity to crimes related to sexual violence that exist against women, and towards all abuse they suffer.”

“Every year, millions of girls, some as young as age nine, are forced into marriage. Since I began these remarks, 100 children have been forced into marriage; 1,100 per hour; more than 26,000 per day. The effects of early forced marriage are documented and beyond dispute. Early forced marriage harms health, halts education, destroys opportunity and enslaves young women in a life of poverty. A young woman once recounted her wedding date.

“Earlier this year, Canada and other G-8 nations agreed to treat sexual violence in conflict as a violation of the Geneva Conventions. I applaud the United Kingdom and U.K. Foreign Secretary William Hague for their work in this area.

“Almost always, the suffering is felt by the most vulnerable among us. And, far too often, this involves women and violence. In the context of war, rape and serious sexual violence are war crimes. I have met girls who were victims of this very war crime, and their stories are horrific. The war criminals involved must be identified, pursued, prosecuted and punished."

"We express serious concern over the extensive forms of sexual violence inflicted to innocent women, children and even men in armed conflicts around the world. My country endorsed the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict launched on 24 September at a side event of the General Debate of the august General Assembly."

“We also recognize the critical importance of protecting our women and girls from violence and discrimination. Papua New Guinea is taking a proactive approach through education, advocacy and legislation to prevent gender-based violence. We have made violence against women and girls a crime punishable by law.

"Putting an end to sexual violence against women in armed conflicts is another issue that warrants serious attention. War time sexual violence is a fundamental infringement of human rights, and is in fact an affront to human dignity and integrity. History has left us important lessons that warn us against such egregious acts."

"Furthermore, conflict-related sexual violence requires more attention. Such violence can easily lead to further war crimes and crimes against humanity."

"Children, especially girls, are being used as pawns for economic gain, including through human trafficking and other exploitative actions. Human trafficking is a dastardly threat to the welfare of our women, girls and boys. Our ancestors fought for our freedom. It is disgraceful that at this juncture of world history we should see the emergence of a form of modern-day slavery which renders women, girls and boys to be traded as chattel.

"The National Congress of the Republic approved in April of this year the Law Against Human Trafficking, which becomes a measure of compliance by the State of Honduras to important recommendations on trafficking have been made by international human rights organs."