Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Thirdly, the politics of impunity should be terminated through the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of sexual violence. We cannot eradicate conflict-related sexual violence completely without bringing those responsible to justice. We note the contributions of the Team of Experts-Rule of Law/Sexual Violence in Conflict in building national capacity and expanding expertise in addressing impunity.

First, we must strengthen the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence, establishing legal frameworks, promoting improved governance and the rule of law and raising public awareness; those are just some examples of the concrete actions we need to take.

Secondly, we should pay increased attention to the protection of women facing rape, sexual slavery and other forms sexual violence in conflict. Building the capacity of national institutions and promoting relevant legislation and resource allocation are prerequisites for providing sustainable assistance to victims and survivors.

In spite of those institutional gains, sexual violence in conflict remains one of the most egregious forms of human rights violations. Its impact goes far beyond an individual victim's pain and stigma. Even more troubling is the fact that sexual violence is often used as a tactic of armed conflict.

Violence against women, including rape and sexual slavery, is often used as a weapon of warfare in order to dehumanize women themselves or the communities to which they belong

The grave violations of women's human rights through mass rape and other sexual violence require the immediate attention of such organizations as the International Criminal Court and other relevant tribunals

Perpetrators, including commanders who commission or condone the use of sexual violence, should be held accountable.

Furthermore, international and national courts should have adequate resources, access to gender expertise, gender training for all staff, and gender-sensitive programmes in order to more effectively prosecute those responsible for such crimes.

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.