Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Timely, objective, accurate and reliable information, verified by the United Nations system, on conflict-related sexual violence is crucial to addressing this issue in a comprehensive and systematic manner.

The report highlights, inter alia, the challenges posed by inaccurate information about sexual violence, inadequate preventive measures and the failure to end impunity. In the light of such challenges, we strongly support the efforts of the United Nations system to establish monitoring, reporting and analysis arrangements with regard to conflict-related sexual violence.

The Human Security Network stresses the need to provide coherent and strategic leadership in the United Nations on the issue of sexual violence in conflict, including through the allocation of appropriate resources in implementing the mandate conferred on Ms. Wallström by the Security Council in its resolution 1888 (2009). We would like to express our support to Ms.

Sexual violence, including by parties to armed conflicts, is unacceptable at any time. We call on all of them to cease such acts and to make concrete commitments in this regard, as called for in resolution 1960 (2010), adopted yesterday.

Less than two months ago, we celebrated the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). Unfortunately, progress towards the implementation of cross-cutting gender commitments, especially those aimed at curbing, punishing perpetrators of and protecting against sexual violence in situations of armed conflict, has not been satisfactory. In that respect, we welcome the progress made on Ms.

As suggested in the report, the arrangements should take into account experiences gained and practices developed through the monitoring and reporting mechanism established pursuant to Security Council resolutions 1612 (2005) and 1882 (2009) on children and armed conflict.

Resolution 1888 (2009) includes provisions for increasing the participation of women in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. We agree that their participation in that regard contributes to creating an atmosphere of trust in which women and children can expose the abuses to which they are subjected.

International efforts by the Organization, in particular the establishment of UN Women, contribute to strengthening coordination and cooperation in the implementation of mandates on women peace and security.

For several months, therefore, Colombia has been a contributor to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, providing two female police officers with a strong background in human rights and the protection of children and adolescents. Colombia would like to reiterate its willingness to step up its contribution in that regard.

Colombia endorses the repeated statements issued by the Security Council in connection with all acts of sexual violence and other violence against civilians in armed conflict, in particular against women and children. We regret the fact that, despite those statements, various armed groups continue to commit such acts.