Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Apart from what I have referred to, in many armed conflicts grave violations are committed against children including, in particular the recruitment and use of children, the killing and maiming of children, rape and other sexual violence against children, the abduction of children, attacks on schools and hospitals and the denial of humanitarian access to children by parties to armed conflict, in contravention of applicable international law.

Violence against children through sexual, physical and domestic abuse is an abomination and against national law. Sexual violence, including pederasty in its local form, which is widely sensationalized in media reports, is a crime that incurs serious punishments under the Afghan legal system. Though such problems are not unique to Afghanistan, we are taking all necessary steps to stop this illegal, un-Islamic and immoral practice.

"We now understand that the risk of infection can be even greater in communities emerging from violent conflict. United Nations peacekeeping operations — with their military, police and civilian elements — are well placed to engage with vulnerable communities that have been affected by conflict in order to ensure that the epidemic does not gain a foothold among them.

"In recent months we have discussed in this Chamber ways to combat the disturbing incidence of sexual violence used as a weapon against vulnerable communities. We have heard how sexual exploitation and abuse has the ability to prey on those parts of the community most vital for longer term peace and stability.

"Tragically, we have seen the increased frequency of sexual violence used as a tactic of war. This new resolution is right in calling for HIV prevention among uniformed services to be aligned with efforts to prevent sexual violence in conflict. The disproportionate burden of HIV on women is a serious obstacle to the full participation of women in efforts to prevent and resolve conflict and build peace.

"The AIDS response has also changed dramatically since 1308. Today, we have the capacity to provide wide-scale treatment and to target prevention to populations at higher risk of HIV infection. We see that post-conflict and transition periods bring an increased risk of HIV and for sexual violence to countries, and we understand how to address both of these challenges. We have made progress; now we need to scale up.

"Since 1308, we have come to understand that peacekeepers and the millions of people in uniform can play a leading role in HIV prevention as they secure peace around the world. Their extensive contacts with populations in conflict, post-conflict and other settings position them as agents of positive change—particularly with respect to preventing violence against women and girls in conflict. "

"In the short term, qualitative UN peacekeeping interventions should focus on achieving immediate gains that would mitigate the harmful effects of the epidemic. Decisive action to reduce and prevent conflict-related sexual violence might present a critical intervention in an integrated UN strategy. In the medium to long term, such interventions could take on a much more focused approach.

"We have to talk about sensitive issues when it comes to HIV and AIDS. And we must be frank about where we are falling short. The Council has made major strides in addressing sexual violence in conflict. But rape is still a weapon of choice. This is an atrocious human rights violation. It is a war crime.

"We have come a long way since health issues were first discussed in this Council. I continue to bring AIDS to the Council's attention on scores of occasions through my reports on sexual and gender-based violence and when we highlight the important contributions of women to peace and security. Whenever AIDS is part of the equation, the United Nations is working to be part of the solution.