Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

The first concerns sexual violence. We are all aware of how serious the situation is and how difficult it can be to reverse the extent and impact of sexual violence. In that regard, my delegation welcomes resolution 1888 (2009), adopted just five days ago, which identifies specific steps that the United Nations and Member States should take to prevent or respond to sexual violence.

It is undeniable that situations of conflict have a great impact on women. They are too often victims of violence and of sexual violence used as a weapon of war. And at the same time, they very often become the main providers of economic security and survival to their families. There is thus the need to ensure that, in post-conflict situations, we also build on their experiences.

Allow me briefly to highlight five main objectives of our plan.

We know that, in this time of asymmetric warfare, the use of sexual violence against women and girls as a weapon of war is a source of even more fundamental and pernicious concern. It is a weapon that is intended to humiliate and destroy women, both as individuals and as the heart and soul of social order and the foundation of family and community life.

There are two dimensions to this subject. The first one is women and girls as victims of violence. As the discussion in the Security Council last week again made clear (see S/PV.6195), such violence is often employed as a weapon of war. That necessitates a different way of operating in crisis management and peacekeeping.

As far as our bilateral cooperation with other countries is concerned, let me give the Council two examples. Burundi and the Netherlands collaborate in the integration of elements of resolution 1325 (2000) into the ethics training course for Burundi's uniformed services.

We therefore welcome the call on the Secretary- General, in resolution 1888 (2009), to offer upon request expertise that can be deployed rapidly to assist national authorities to strengthen the rule of law.

We have witnessed an alarming increase in sexual violence in various conflicts around the world. The victims are often women and children. Cessation of hostilities does not guarantee an end to sexual violence — sometimes quite the opposite.

There is no doubt that the numerous resolutions and presidential statements that have been adopted by the Security Council constitute a major step towards protecting women and promoting their rights. However, it is not enough merely to adopt resolutions and statements; they must be implemented.

This is a major challenge the Council must address. We are therefore pleased that resolution 1889 (2009), just adopted, stressed this aspect: the importance of empowering women and girls in responding to their particular needs in post-conflict situations.