Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Resolution 1325 (2000) recognized that disproportionate impact on women and introduced remedial measures. Member States have resolved to collectively oppose and fight the unconscionable practices of rape, sexual slavery, commercial sexual exploitation, forced pregnancies, enforced sterilization and other forms of sexual violence.

Over the years, the Security Council has paid close attention to the cause of protecting the human rights of vulnerable groups in situations of armed conflict. The issue of women and peace and security has been integrated into the Council's country-specific resolutions.

In order to give more credence to its actions, the Council must be ready to take targeted and graduated measures, through the relevant Sanctions Committees, against perpetrators of sexual violence. We endorse the Secretary-General's recommendation of applying specific sanctions against parties to armed conflict that use sexual violence as a tactic of war.

In conclusion, I would say that punitive measures do not provide all the answers. We must invest in consciousness-raising, dialogue and engagement. Societies in conflict must address the root causes, resolve their differences and avoid hurting their own communities and nations or fellow human beings across borders. Humanity and humanitarianism, not primordial barbarism, must prevail.

The continued appointment of trained gender and women protection advisers and the provision of multisectoral assistance and services for victims have proved beneficial. Adequate resources must be allocated for that purpose.

Thirdly, we call on the Security Council to continue to combat impunity for crimes of sexual violence and to use its unique power to increase the pressure through targeted sanctions against perpetrators of sexual violence.

The report before us (S/2013/149) is a catalogue of violence, rape, atrocities and torture. The Nordic countries welcome the comprehensive approach it takes, covering both protracted crises and emerging concerns. Its attention to sexual violence against men and boys, the practice of forced marriage and the plight of children born as a result of wartime rape is valid and timely.

The rehabilitation of victims will not be possible unless they have access to comprehensive services. That includes access to health, justice and reparations. As long as survivors have little or nothing to gain from reporting sexual violence and coming forward, under- reporting will continue and impunity will prevail.

The Nordic countries warmly welcome the Secretary-General's call for emergency contraception and safe abortion to be included in the responses and services to survivors. The agreed conclusions of the Commission on the Status of Women also call for the provision of such life-saving services. Girls and women who have been raped during war should not be forced to continue unwanted pregnancies.

Security threats against women are often dismissed as belonging to the private sphere or are written off as cultural issues. But let us be clear, conflict-related sexual violence can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, and, in the most extreme cases, an act of genocide. We must respond with the same sense of urgency as we do to other threats against peace and security.