Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

My delegation would like to reiterate the importance that access be provided to health care, to psychosocial support, to legal assistance and to socio-economic reintegration services for victims.

The report of the Secretary-General (S/2012/33) illustrates in a most alarming way how impunity linked to human rights abuses of the past, in particular acts of sexual violence perpetrated in armed conflict, is a major factor undermining early recovery and peace consolidation, and frequently allows sexual violence to persist.

allow me to highlight a positive development that has taken place since the publication of the Secretary-General's report. It was referred to today by the Special Representative, and I particularly value it in my capacity as Chair of the Guinea country specific configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission.

Sexual violence is used not only as a method of warfare during armed conflict, but also as a means to surreptitiously continue conflict after the guns have fallen silent. Sexual violence can be an important indicator in determining when conflicts might turn violent or when a conflict relapses into violence.

Violence against women in all its manifestations must be dealt with firmly and decisively. In that regard, my delegation reiterates Kenya's commitment to the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and the follow-up resolutions.

The main thrust of resolution 1960 (2010) is the creation of an accountability system listing those parties credibly suspected of committing or responsible for patterns of sexual violence. Needless to say, there are no ongoing patterns of sexual violence in Kenya today, and none of the activities reported concerning Kenya took place during the current reporting period of 2010-2011.

Kenya welcomes the leadership shown by Togo in holding this debate during its presidency. The United Nations is commemorating the twelfth year since the unanimous adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) and two years since the adoption of resolution 1960 (2010). My delegation notes with satisfaction the commitment shown by Member States, the United Nations system, civil society and other actors in implementing those and related resolutions.

In conclusion, I wish to note that all over the world, many women are denied their social, economic, political and civil rights. They are systematically discriminated against because of their gender. While I reaffirm Kenya's commitment to implementing resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1960 (2010), there is a nexus between violence against women and the economic and power structure.

We also appreciate that, for the first time, the report lists parties that are
credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of rape and
other forms of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict, as per the
Security Council agenda. Japan strongly condemns the parties listed and calls
on them to make specific, time-bound commitments to ceasing acts of sexual

Thirdly, prevention is always key. The SecretaryGeneral's report also serves this purpose, as it provides the information needed not only to react, but first and foremost to prevent. We look forward to the progressive strengthening of the monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements mandated by resolution 1960 (2010).