Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

However, despite the progress of the past ten years, many challenges remain. Abhorrent conditions that women and girls face in all conflict sltuations persist, effective and comprehensive methods for addressing those realities are still lacking.

In his report on women and peace and security (S/2010/498), the Secretary-General acknowledges that significant progress has been made in several areas. However, he also warns that much remains to be done to realize the vision of resolution 1325 (2000). In particular, the report refers to the need to redouble efforts to ensure that women can play their rightful role in conflict prevention and resolution and in reconstruction processes.

Furthermore, the Presidential Advisory Office on Gender Equality, the United Nations Development Fund for Women, the United Nations Population Fund and the International Organization for Migration jointly run the Integrated Programme Against Gender Violence, which seeks to help prevent, treat and eradicate gender-based violence affecting Colombian women both publicly and privately.

Among recent developments, I would like to mention that, as recognition of the particular needs of women and with a view to ensuring a life free of violence, in December 2008 we adopted law No. 1257 of 2008. That law sets out standards of awareness, prevention and punishment for forms of violence and discrimination against women.

Although Colombia has a significant legislative framework and public policies that mainstream the gender perspective and variables, there persist challenges such as full integration, a review of indicators on the basis of international standards and the adoption of specific measures against gender-based violence.

China condemns the use of sexual violence as a means of war. The international community shares a common responsibility to prevent sexual violence in conflicts. China supports the relevant United Nations agencies in their active efforts to provide the needed support to the victims of sexual violence.

My Government attaches great importance to this issue and to the difficult situation created by modern conflicts, in which women and children are most affected by the degradation of their living conditions and fundamental rights. We are therefore particularly grateful to you, Sir, for having convened this debate at an opportune moment for evaluating progress and dealing with pending issues.

More broadly, we strongly support the Secretary General's recognition of the need to take effective measures to address sexual violence in conflict. In this regard, we welcome the jurisprudence of the international courts and tribunals, recognizing that rape and sexual violence can be war crimes and crimes against humanity. Individuals responsible for these crimes must be. brought to justice.

I would like to share with you some activities that we will carry out in implementing Canada's Action Plan. We will:
• ensure that our non-governmental partners delivering Canadian humanitarian assistance have codes of conduct related to sexual exploitation and abuse;

Canada supports the efforts of SRSG Margot Wallstrom to provide strategic leadership and strengthen UN coordination mechanisms in order to address sexual violence in armed conflict. The recent systematic acts of sexual violence perpetrated in the eastern DRC demonstrate the necessity of Ms. Wallstrom's work. Canada calls on the UN system to ensure that her office is adequately resourced and capable of timely action.