Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

First, while we have made progress, it is imperative that the United Nations do more and continue to
keep the issue of women, peace, and security in the spotlight. Rape is a crime and sexual violence
has a grievous moral and psychological impact -- damaging not just the lives of individuals and
families ... but of communities and entire societies. Through greater awareness and action,

SADC takes this opportunity to thank the Secretary-General for his report contained in document
S/2008/622, which provides an assessment of measures taken to enhance the implementation of
resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security. We also take note of the assessment on the
progress made in the protection of women against sexual and gender-based violence. The report

Furthermore, the Protocol specifies that, in time of armed conflict, States parties shall take such
steps as are necessary to prevent and eliminate incidents of human rights abuses, especially of
women and children, and ensure that the perpetrators of such abuses are brought to justice before
a court of competent jurisdiction. Sexual violence in conflict situations is inextricably linked to

The United Nations should, as a priority, respond to systematic mass violence against women and
children. Equal attention should be given to all categories of such violence in conflicts. Of serious
concern are cases in which women and children are killed or injured, including as a result of the
indiscriminate or excessive use of force. Unfortunately, recent examples of that can be found in

When we refer to violence against women in conflict zones, we must bear in mind the violence
and psychological terror visited upon Palestinian women suffering under Israeli occupation, in
brazen violation of all the principles of international law. We can all imagine the terrible suffering
of pregnant women who give birth at checkpoints because they are prevented from reaching

We believe that a drastic solution to the problem of violence against women is to resolve conflicts,
to settle them at the very outset, to ensure that peace prevails, to set up an effective and
transparent security sector, to accelerate development in post-conflict States and to strengthen the
role of women in all fields. That is something in which the United Nations specialized agencies

Despite all of those efforts by the United Nations, the African Union and individual States, we are
seriously concerned by sexual violence against women in conflict areas, whether during conflict
or in postconflict situations. Effective prevention and response, in our view, requires
comprehensive, coordinated and multidimensional long-term efforts involving all stakeholders.

While 1820 was a major step in implementing the protection pillar of
Resolution 1325, action is needed also on other pillars. We thus welcome the
President's initiative to focus today's debate on women's participation.

Tragically, sexual violence continues tc be used as a weapon of war to
destroy the very fabric of society. The Secretary-Generals report foreseen by next
June is therefore crucial. We believe that it should include detailed information on
sexual violence in conflict situations which are on the Council's agenda,
particularly on perpetrators and, more in general, on emerging patterns.

The adoption of Resolution 1820 last June was a milestone in the Security Council's efforts to protect women and a major step forward in the implementation of Resolution 1325. Last June Resolution clearly states that sexual violence in situations of armed conflict, when used as a war tactic, is a matter of peace and security, and therefore a responsibility of the Security ouncil.