Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

One of the lessons learned from the mass rape in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in July and August this year is the need for communication between United Nations missions and the local community. I would like to stress that such communication could also provide early warning of imminent problems.

First of all, Japan supports the recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/604), including its recommendations to strengthen efforts to end impunity with regard to sexual violence as a tactic of war and terror.

As most here know, a number of child soldiers have been released in the five years since the establishment of the monitoring and reporting mechanism on children and armed conflict under resolution 1612 (2005). Monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements to be established under today's resolution should build on that good practice.

"The second is the importance of giving systematic consideration to sexual violence in authorizations and renewals of peacekeeping and special political missions. Moreover, when missions are mandated, technical assessments of country situations should include gender expertise. "

"The first is the need to address sexual violence in peace and mediation processes. If women do not have a say in peace processes and sexual violence is not addressed in the agreements aimed at ending a conflict, gender-based discrimination and violence will remain embedded in society."

"That goal can be achieved by various means: adopting sanctions or targeted measures, referring matters to the International Criminal Court when necessary and naming and shaming perpetrators at every opportunity. We therefore welcome the Council's decision to encourage the Secretary-General to list in his reports the parties who have engaged in patterns of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict.

"Let me start by expressing our deep appreciation for resolution 1960 (2010), which has been adopted today and which Italy was proud to have co-sponsored. By requesting the establishment of monitoring and reporting arrangements for conflict-related sexual violence, the Security Council has taken an important step forward. Timely and accurate information will enhance the Council's ability to track and deter this heinous crime.

"In 2008, Italy, in its capacity as a member of the Security Council, was one of the strongest advocates of resolution 1820 (2008), on sexual violence in conflict. We also supported the appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General. At the national level, we are finalizing a plan of action to implement resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security.

"Conflict-related sexual violence is a threat to security and an impediment to peacebuilding in many parts of the world, not only in the crisis areas on the Council's agenda. In today's conflicts, sexual violence is not just collateral damage but an actual front-line strategy. There are two areas that we deem particularly important."

"In conclusion, Italy remains fully committed to implementing the resolutions of the Security Council in the area of women and peace and security, including the important resolution adopted today. "