Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

The United Nations has a particular responsibility with regard to the phenomenon of sexual violence. Indeed, peacekeeping operations must establish strategies on sexual violence. Gender advisors, advisors on the protection of women, and human rights units have a vital role to play in this context. It is also essential to engage in dialogue with parties to armed conflict on the issue of sexual violence.

The resolution finally strengthens the prospects of sanctions against the perpetrators and those responsible for sexual violence. It is vital that the Council systematically examine the possibility of including sexual violence as a criteria for sanctions during the establishment or review of the mandates of sanctions committees. The resolution requests the parties to make specific commitments and to implement them on the ground.

In conclusion, our commitment to combating sexual violence is inseparable from the framework of follow-up to resolution 1325 (2000) in strengthening the role of women in conflict prevention and settlement and in peacebuilding.

I welcome the initiative of the United States presidency of the Council to convene this open debate. In adopting resolution 1888 (2009) last year, the Security Council improved the regime for combating sexual violence in armed conflict. My delegation reiterates its support for the work of Ms. Wallström, Special Representative of the Secretary-General.

At the same time, the Secretary-General's report (S/2010/604) gives cause for alarm. Sexual violence continues to be used as a weapon of war by parties to conflicts in a number of regions worldwide. We all recall the mass rapes committed in Walikale this past summer, and we expect the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to inform the Security Council about measures taken to assist the victims and to combat impunity.

We fully support the Secretary-General's recommendations to establish monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements on conflict-related sexual violence, including the listing of those parties who commit sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. We further support the Secretary-General's call for a coherent and coordinated approach at the field level.

The Nordic countries support the efforts of UN Women and the Department of Political Affairs in developing guidance for mediators on addressing sexual violence in peace negotiations. We also welcome and support their Joint Strategy on Gender and Mediation. We believe that it will be an effective tool for strengthening women's participation in peace processes and for providing expertise and guidance to the parties and the mediators.

The Nordic countries promote women's participation at all stages of conflict prevention, peace negotiations and peacebuilding processes. Sexual violence should always be addressed in peace and ceasefire agreements, and no amnesty should be granted for such abuses.

Preventing sexual violence should be our highest priority. Unfortunately, in many conflict situations, national Governments and the United Nations alike have failed to protect civilians from violence. Widespread impunity in conflict situations has led to a culture of impunity and the “normalization” of sexual violence after the conflict has ended.

Nordic countries contribute to the ICC's Trust Fund for Victims and support the work of United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict. We also support a large number of local and international organizations engaged in rehabilitation for survivors of sexual violence.