Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

The promotion and protection of the human rights of women and girls in armed conflict continues to pose a pressing challenge. There should be no tolerance for gender-based violence. All cases of gender-based violence in an armed conflict must be investigated, and the perpetrators prosecuted.

It is a matter of deep regret that the international community has to repeatedly debate the issue of sexual and other forms of violence against women and girls in situations of armed conflict. That abhorrent behaviour has to be unequivocally, unambiguously and resolutely condemned, whether it is perpetrated by parties to armed conflicts, peacekeeping personnel, including its civilian component, or humanitarian actors.

What can the United Nations do? Security Council resolution 1888 (2009) and resolution 1889 (2009), adopted today, are yet another milestone in the fight against sexual violence and for the empowerment of women for the maintenance of peace and security. We now have a whole range of tools available to prevent sexual violence and to respond rapidly to situations in which violence occurs.

The recent adoption of resolution 1888 (2009) and its request for the appointment of a special representative of the Secretary-General to provide leadership and improve coherence and coordination of United Nations action against sexual violence in conflict was a major step forward.

Nine years ago, the Security Council adopted resolution 1325 (2000) for the protection of women, for their participation and for the promotion of their rights in conflict and post-conflict situations. Last year, the Council adopted resolution 1820 (2008), condemning sexual violence as a tactic of war, and last week it adopted resolution 1888 (2009) to further strengthen the United Nations response to sexual violence in conflict.

Mr. President, you have chosen a very pertinent focus for this open debate on women and peace and security. Building sustainable peace requires much more than the mere absence of violence. Restoration of the rule of law, the local economy and basic services should be the priority in any post-conflict situation.

Ecuador has taken due note of the first report (S/2009/362) of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 1820 (2008), which refers to various efforts by States to eradicate this evil.

Security Council resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) focus directly on these challenges. However, the implementation of those resolutions must be done in tandem with resolution 1325. The strengthening of women's participation in decision-making is critical to overcoming the scourge of sexual violence. I am committed to the full implementation of these landmark texts on women, peace and security.

As we heard from many speakers last Wednesday in this chamber, women face appalling violence -- especially sexual violence -- in the anarchy generated by conflict and its aftermath. Yet post-conflict gender-based violence often remains below the radar screen, since a cessation of conflict is often mistaken for the full return of peace.

Let me highlight three key areas for future work in this field. First, we must work to achieve greater active participation of women in peacebuilding and reconstruction. Secondly, we must enhance recognition of the special needs and rights of women and girls before, during and after armed conflict.