Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

"We strongly support the orientation of the operational and peacekeeping activities of the United Nations towards recognizing the plight of women and children in conflict areas and proactively work towards preventing violence against them."

"UNAIDS estimates that HIV/AIDS prevalence is three to four times higher among armed forces and armed groups than among the general population. As we know, women and children are often the main victims of conflict. Rape, which is all too often used as a weapon of war, also adds to the spread of HIV among civilians. HIV adds to the stigma and discrimination these victims of sexual violence oftentimes face."

"In many conflicts, children are recruited and misused as soldiers, sexually exploited and abused. Under these conditions they are especially vulnerable to infection and therefore not only traumatized, but often also stigmatized for life. Germany is convinced that children deserve special protection in armed conflict and, if needed, must be provided with special HIV-related health care.

"With respect to sexual violence, I stress the importance of continuing to implement resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010), given that the need to counter such violence, particularly towards women and children, is an important aspect of the processes involved in resolving conflicts and building peace. Such action allows their full involvement in these processes.

"It will be recalled that on 17 July 2000, the Security Council, at the initiative of the United States of America, adopted resolution 1308 (2000). Gabon, which had just ended a term on the Council, had supported its preparation. Resolution 1308 (2000) underscored the threat posed by the disease to the staff of peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions.

"For some years now, Gabon has hosted numerous refugees from conflict countries and can testify to the effects of such migratory movements on the stability and security of the host country. Indeed, sexual violence is frequently used as a weapon of war, with disastrous consequences.

" In this context, the Security Council has a particular responsibility — first of all, to act on the factors of the spread of the disease, in particular, sex abuse. Since the adoption of resolution 1308 (2000), the Security

"The issue of HIV and AIDS is also closely linked to the Council's consideration of women in conflict and post-conflict situations. In particular, the intersection between HIV and AIDS and conflict-related sexual violence is real and troubling.

"We commend the efforts made by UNAIDS and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations with regard to the education and training of peacekeepers. There is a need to further strengthen the process of voluntary counselling and testing in United Nations- mandated missions.

"Security conditions certainly influence the spread of HIV, which has a negative impact on all sectors and levels of society. It destabilizes the economy and contributes to the instability of societies.