Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Sexual violence in conflict remains prevalent, yet universally under-reported. That is, inter alia, the result of threats faced by those who come forward to report such crimes. We underline the need to take all measures necessary to protect survivors, witnesses, humanitarian workers, medical personnel, human rights defenders and journalists who contribute to aiding survivors and collect information on sexual violence.

Sexual violence in conflict remains prevalent, yet universally under-reported. That is, inter alia, the result of threats faced by those who come forward to report such crimes. We underline the need to take all measures necessary to protect survivors, witnesses, humanitarian workers, medical personnel, human rights defenders and journalists who contribute to aiding survivors and collect information on sexual violence.

Sexual violence has, in addition to its devastating impact on survivors, a broad and long-lasting effect on communities and on States as a whole for generations, not least through the plight of the children born as a result of rape. Sexual violence continues to be perpetrated as a tactic of war, including against men and boys and in the context of detention and interrogation, on which further information is needed.

The European Union continues to implement its dedicated policy on women, peace and security adopted in 2008. The European Union support to various initiatives related to women, peace and security amounts to approximately €200 million a year.

We share the assessment of Special Representative that fostering national ownership, leadership and responsibility in addressing sexual violence are some of the most important aspects in the fight against sexual violence. It is essential that local communities consider sexual violence as a crime.

We appreciate the Secretary-General's report (S/2013/149) on which today's discussion is based. The report gives a shiver-raising overview of how widespread the terrible scourge of sexual violence still is.

There is a wide range of tools available for preventing crimes of sexual violence, as well as for holding perpetrators accountable. The use of targeted sanctions by the Security Council, with a focus on specific individuals or entities suspected of bearing the greatest responsibility for such crimes, is an important aspect of deterrence.

The International Criminal Court itself has a unique role in setting a new tone in the fight against impunity for sexual and gender-based violence. The Rome Statute of the ICC prohibits an unprecedented number of gender crimes, including rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, enforced sterilization and other forms of sexual violence as war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide.

In our view, the next important step for the United Nations would be to further implement monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements on conflict- related sexual violence. We would also urge the further deployment of female protection advisers to Security Council-mandated missions. We must support the non-governmental organizations working in the field and protection for women's human rights defenders.

I would also like to take this opportunity to commend the Council's work on the issue of women and peace and security, including in the area of sexual violence in conflict, and to confirm my country's strong support for an even more systematic and comprehensive approach to that important issue.