Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

First, Switzerland supports the establishment of a systematic sexual violence in conflict situations on its agenda. monitoring, analysis and reporting mechanism, as provided for in resolution 1960 (2010), adopted yesterday. The mechanism will collect timely, objective, accurate and reliable information about conflict-related sexual violence, for example on incidents, trends and patterns.

Finally, we invite the Council to systematically link thematic and geographical issues. When considering a conflict situation, it is crucial to include a thematic perspective, because the thematic issues on the Council's agenda are cross-cutting issues. To link that to today's subject — as deplorable as it is, sexual violence has become characteristic of many conflicts. It therefore calls for a consistent approach by the Council.

The international community must continue to combat sexual violence in conflict at the national, regional and global levels. We must end the impunity of perpetrators and provide appropriate compensation to victims, ensuring that they become agents of change and peace. The international community can count on the cooperation of my Government in that undertaking.

The body of standards established by resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1889 (2009), as well as 1960 (2010), adopted yesterday by the Council, is the main tool for combating sexual violence in conflict. The institutional structure being set up, and led by Special Representative Ms. Margot Wallström, is also essential.

Sexual violence in situations of conflict, like gender-based violence in the home, has remained in the private sphere for far too long. In his report (S/2010/604) on the implementation of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009), the Secretary-General affirms that sexual violence used as a weapon of war can become a way of life that continues once the conflict has ended.

My Government is completing the second review of our national action plan on women and peace and security, bringing it into line with the provisions of recent Security Council resolutions and broadening its provisions on sexual violence in conflict. In that regard, I am pleased to report three actions that we have recently undertaken.

First, in cooperation with the Government of the Netherlands, we have launched a joint civilian-military training exercise on gender-based violence and the protection of civilians, as mentioned yesterday by the Permanent Representative of the Netherlands in his statement. Secondly, Spanish cooperation funds activities promoted by civil society to combat sexual violence in situations of conflict in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Brazil.

There is yet much to be done in the area of victim assistance. Disabled women face heightened vulnerability to sexual violence and exploitation. It is commendable that, in recognition of the risk faced by women maimed or wounded by antipersonnel landmines, sexual violence has been specifically included in the 2010 gender guidelines for mine action programmes that have been developed by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations.

Sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations takes many forms, not just rape. Under international law, sexual violence constitutes different forms of crimes and acts. Although the victims of sexual violence are predominantly women and girls, we should not forget that sexual violence is also committed against boys and men.

It is of the utmost importance to prevent the continuing sexual violence by fighting impunity. In that regard, the role of international criminal justice should be recognized, in particular that of the International Criminal Court.