Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

We are surprised that some examples of the situation in Colombia mentioned in the report do not include sufficient information on the incidents that took place.

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.

I would like to give a clear explanation here. It should be understood that, in making that call, the report of the Secretary-General is referring to the situations listed in the annex to the report, that is, those situations that are under consideration by both the Security Council and the Sanctions Committees established in connection with such situations, in accordance with the provisions of the paragraph 3 of resolution 1960 (2010).

As can be seen, and as the Secretary-General underscores in his report, Colombia has varying policies and guarantees that mark a breakthrough in the State's efforts to address that complex problem comprehensively and consistently.

Thirdly, safeguarding women's rights and preventing and containing sexual violence in conflict require the full development of women.

Respecting and protecting women's rights is not only a reflection of progress in human society and civilization, it is also closely linked to global peace and development. Women are vulnerable to becoming victims of all sorts of violence in situations of armed conflict. Not only is that a grave infringement upon women's rights, but it is also a challenge to the full resolution of conflicts and the rebuilding of society.

In recent years, States Members of the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations have cooperated closely to fight sexual violence in armed conflict. China welcomes that. At the same time, in today's many conflict situations, sexual violence against women remains prevalent. The international community has a long way to go in defending women's security, rights and interests.

China condemns all violence against women in armed conflict, including sexual violence. China supports the full implementation of the relevant resolutions of the Council and urges parties in conflict to abide by international humanitarian law and other relevant international law to effectively protect the safety of women and other disadvantaged groups. I would like to emphasize three points.

We believe it is equally important to continue to promote the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) in our region through the exchange of experiences and international cooperation, both at the bilateral level and in the regional mechanisms for peacekeeping operations of which Chile is a part.

We agree with the Secretary-General when he states in his report that national tribunals continue to bear the primary responsibilty for the fight against impunity for cases of sexual violence and are an important complement to the efforts of the International Criminal Court, fundamentally in terms of restoring victims' dignity and holding perpetrators legally accountable.