Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

As is well known and has been repeated here on many occasions, post-conflict societies also face significant challenges in combating and eliminating sexual violence. That is an extensive phenomenon; it is deeply rooted in our societies and predates the conditions that have led to armed conflict.

After the end of the civil war, El Salvador lived through two decades in which gender policies and attention to human rights violations were not high on the Government's agenda. To be honest, little, if anything, was done to ensure access to justice by victims and to fight impunity, and even less to establish measures that would lead to reparations for victims.

The report responds to those emerging concerns through a set of important recommendations that include ensuring the deployment of women's protection advisers in United Nations peacekeeping operations and special political missions, thereby systematically responding to sexual violence in conflict in all the relevant situations. In that regard, my delegation would like to express its appreciation for the efforts exerted by Ms.

The report of the Secretary-General, entitled “Sexual violence in conflict” (S/2013/149), which was been presented by his Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, highlights several concerns emerging this year, including the perpetration of sexual violence against men and boys as a tactic of war or in the context of detention or interrogation, children born as a result of rape in wartime, and the practice of forced ma

The establishment of provisions for monitoring, analysing and reporting on sexual violence in conflict situations should seek primarily, on the basis of accurate, impartial objective and verifiable information, to promote the adoption of measures to prevent sexual violence in conflict situations and to provide effective responses for the benefit of victims.

Sexual violence in conflict represents one of the most serious forms of violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Such violations cause a lifetime of pain that cannot be healed.

Egypt also believes that it is of importance to address sexual violence issues in the early phases of peace processes, in mediation efforts and in ceasefire and peace agreements, particularly in provisions on security arrangements, transitional justice and reparations.

With regard to the Secretary-General's report on sexual violence in conflict (S/2013/149), which we are considering today, I would like to recall that, in accordance to resolution 1960 (2010), information collected on sexual violence should be timely, accurate, reliable and impartial.

With regard to the justice sector and the armed forces, as the report indicates, Colombia has adopted a zero-tolerance policy. It is supplemented by a manual and protocol that serve as a guide for members of the armed forces in addressing sexual violence that may occur as a result of armed conflict. That document is widely disseminated among members of the armed forces.

We reiterate our position on the possible establishment of talks with State and non-State parties to obtain commitments. Such talks should always respect national laws and policies. Allow me therefore to reiterate that Colombia's policy is that any dialogue between the United Nations and illegal armed groups operating in the country can take place only with the Government's prior and explicit consent.