Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Secondly, as committed as we are to targeting the perpetrators of sexual violence, we must give full priority to the health, safety and dignity of survivors. National and international programmes for postconflict reconstruction must ensure that their needs are met and voices heard. Adequate and timely resources are required to sustain processes that are meant to be lengthy and complex.

Today's discussion is about our collective responsibility to give voice to the voiceless. An increasing number of conflicts around the world are made even more horrific by the use of sexual violence. These are often the most disturbing and the most hidden elements of conflict. Yet, the number of victims is staggering, and it continues to grow every day. Each one of these people has a name and has a family.

The first is a case study on ending impunity. We all recognize the simple equation: impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence guarantees that the virus will spread; conversely, ending impunity and making the perpetrators pay will act as a deterrent.

The representative of the Israeli regime referred to the case of a woman in Iran. While my delegation strongly refutes the allegations concerning that young lady, I would like to mention that it would have been better for the Israeli representative to talk about the thousands and thousands of Palestinian women and girls who have fallen victim to the atrocities committed by his regime in Gaza and other occupied lands of Palestine.

Women must be free to live their lives without having to face the threat of violence, sexual or otherwise. We note with deep concern the fact that while the Security Council resolutions related to women and peace and security have served to highlight the problem and force action aimed at its elimination, the violations persist. We have every reason to speedily implement resolution 1960 (2010).

We are informed by the Secretary-General's report that over the past year, there have been several new and ongoing armed conflicts in which sexual violence has been widespread, with civilian populations being systematically targeted. What is even more disturbing is the fact that most perpetrators remain at large. Indonesia finds this unfortunate situation unacceptable.

We recognize that we have also made some progress over the years. As examples, one can cite the creation of a platform in the Democratic Republic of Congo for the operational coordination of resources dedicated to providing specific services to combat sexual violence in conflicts; or the request for assistance to revitalize the national strategy on sexual violence based on gender in Cote d'Ivoire.

We agree to a large extent with the specific recommendation of the Secretary General. We must bring greater pressure to bear against those responsible for acts of sexual violence in armed conflict.

Finally, we want to reiterate our support to the United Nations campaign against sexual violence in conflicts, as well as to the Secretary General's Policy of Zero Tolerance on Sexual Exploitation and abuse by the United Nations Peacekeeping and Humanitarian personnel. We also encourage Mrs.