Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

On its part, the Republic of Korea has been active in implementing resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) by mainstreaming a gender-sensitive approach in all its policies and activities and by increasing women's participation at all levels. In that regard, we recently deployed a gender adviser as a member of an Afghanistan provincial reconstruction team.

First, it is essential to grasp the reality of sexual violence committed in armed conflict through reliable, timely and objective information, as well as to ensure that, in turn, perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.

Despite that progress, the impact of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) has yet to be fully realized on the ground. Women and children continue to suffer disproportionately in areas of armed conflict. The use of sexual violence and brutality as weapons of

At the outset, allow me to thank you, Madame President, for convening an open debate on this important issue. My appreciation also goes to Ms. Margot Wallström, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, for her comprehensive and informative presentation of the Secretary-General's report on this issue (S/2010/604).

As the Secretary-General's report states, over the past year, there has been much progress at the policy level on the implementation of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009). In particular, we would like to commend the measures that it outlines to improve the collection of information on sexual violence that would lead to better monitoring, deeper analysis and more systematic reporting.

"The second aspect is the Council's action. Indeed, a Council that is better informed is also in a better position to take action. With sufficient information, the Council will be able to take, in a timely manner, further steps to influence parties to conflict to comply with international law and to make specific commitments regarding the prevention of sexual violence or the investigation of alleged abuses.

"With the appointment of Special Representative Wallström and, subsequently, of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law, with the presence of United Nations agencies and peacekeeping missions in the field, the Council should have the tools necessary to obtain reliable and accurate information on sexual violence. This is an issue of particular importance to helping the Council discharge its responsibilities."

"We must recognize that much has been done. The legal framework exists. Under international law, the definition of sexual violence is clear and, depending on the circumstances, can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, an act of torture or a constituent act of genocide. These crimes may entail individual criminal responsibility, including that of commanders. "

"Portugal obviously shares the views that were expressed by the European Union regarding the implementation of the resolution, but let me underline some aspects of particular significance to my country. The excellent report before us today provides us with a clear analytical framework for understanding sexual violence in conflict as a threat to security and an impediment to peacebuilding in situations on the Council's agenda.

"I would underline two aspects where the Council could become more effective. The first aspect is the need to improve the Council's access to timely, objective, accurate and reliable information on sexual violence in situations on its agenda.