Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Uganda strongly supports more active participation and involvement by women in addressing the concerns raised by sexual violence in conflict, post-conflict situations and peacebuilding, in particular in processes such as security sector and justice sector reform.

The Government of Uganda has taken a comprehensive approach aimed at enhancing women's empowerment, enhancing their participation and involvement in the promotion of peace and security, in conflict-prevention and resolution, in eradicating sexual violence and in ending impunity. We are committed to the implementation of the relevant instruments.

In conclusion, we must redouble our efforts and sustain the momentum in the fight against sexual violence at the national, regional and international levels, using a multi-pronged approach and utilizing all of the tools at our disposal. We therefore welcome the adoption of resolution 2106 (2013) by the Security Council today as one of the ways of advancing further action towards eradicating sexual violence in conflict situations.

To address this problem, comprehensive solutions should be sought by both ensuring the supremacy of the rule of law and by building judicial and security institutions. Gaps in legislation and implementation must be addressed. Criminal responsibility must be increased. Impunity must be ended both for perpetrators and those in the chain of command. The investigative capabilities of national institutions must be increased.

The Security Council deserves special credit for connecting the concepts of sexual violence and impunity to international peace and security, passing numerous resolutions and addressing the issue in various meetings. We also welcome today's adoption of resolution 2106 (2013). The Council's efforts help strongly convey the message that sexual violence and impunity are unacceptable.

The elimination of the root causes of conflict is the best way to prevent sexual violence and address impunity. The establishment or restoration of the rule of law, good governance and socio-economic development is essential for sustainable solutions.

Secondly, monitoring and reporting on incidents of sexual violence is important, as highlighted in the Secretary-General's most recent report (S/2013/149). We extend our full support to the endeavours of the United Nations in this area. In this respect, as a neighbouring country, Turkey took note with concern of the findings of the recent report of the independent international commission of inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic.

It takes personnel, resources and time to end the culture of impunity. The continued support of the international community is essential. Punishment for the crime often serves as the most important deterrent. To address sexual violence during conflicts and ensure that these crimes can be prosecuted in the post-conflict phase, the necessary documentation and evidence must be gathered while the conflict is ongoing.

In the twenty-first century, sexual violence is, sadly, still widespread, particularly in armed conflict, including its early stages and aftermath. Unfortunately, in conflicts, national judicial and security systems are often characterized by incapacity, leading to a culture of impunity. Legal codes on sexual violence do not exist or cannot be implemented. An absence of efficient criminal procedures and institutional capacity is common.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the Secretary- General, the Member States and all relevant United Nations bodies, in addition to all relevant stakeholders at the local, national, regional and global levels that have prioritized the issue of sexual violence against women in conflict.