Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

SADC is deeply concerned with the widespread and systematic sexual violence subjected to women and girls in conflict situations and condemns the use of sexual and gender based violence against women and children. It is our considered view that all parties to armed conflict, should respect, regional mechanisms and international law applicable to the rights and protection of women and children.

Furthermore, significant progress has been recorded in terms of women's participation in peacekeeping operations and decision-making processes, and we welcome that progress. However, we must note that, despite those efforts, the situation of women and girls in several regions around the world remains difficult and sometimes even intolerable.

My delegation unreservedly supports the determination and commends the courage and resolve of Ms. Margot Wallström, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and of Under-Secretary-General Michelle Bachelet, Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, in coordinating our efforts on behalf of women.

Resolution 1325 (2000) also underscores the need to scrupulously respect the provisions of international humanitarian law and human rights instruments. It is imperative that atrocities not go unpunished, especially those in which rape is used as a weapon of war.

The establishment of the International Criminal Court represented an important step forward in the fight against sexual violence and gender-related violence. Mexico is fully convinced that we cannot achieve lasting peace without guaranteeing the delivery of justice, promoting accountability and fighting impunity.

Mexico is not a stranger to the phenomenon of violence and its consequences for women and girls. We have sought to adopt a comprehensive approach for the social prevention of violence, together with efforts to strengthen protection measures.

Ten years ago, when it adopted resolution 1325 (2000), the Council acknowledged that women and girls suffered disproportionately from the effects of armed conflicts and were frequently the specific and deliberate victims of various forms of violence.

My country is pleased with the tireless efforts carried out by civil society as the engine for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), as it is a force for change on the ground. We draw the attention of the Security Council to the importance of the gender perspective and to reprehensible acts of gender related and sexual violence against women.

Despite some progress, much remains to be done for us to meet our responsibility to effectively address the needs of women and to ensure that they do not suffer the effects of violence inherent to armed conflict.

Ten years ago, resolution 1325 (2000) requested all parties to armed conflict to take specific steps to protect women and girls against acts of gender-based violence, especially rape and other forms of sexual abuse.