Peacekeeping

"In recent months we have discussed in this Chamber ways to combat the disturbing incidence of sexual violence used as a weapon against vulnerable communities. We have heard how sexual exploitation and abuse has the ability to prey on those parts of the community most vital for longer term peace and stability.

"Tragically, we have seen the increased frequency of sexual violence used as a tactic of war. This new resolution is right in calling for HIV prevention among uniformed services to be aligned with efforts to prevent sexual violence in conflict. The disproportionate burden of HIV on women is a serious obstacle to the full participation of women in efforts to prevent and resolve conflict and build peace.

"The AIDS response has also changed dramatically since 1308. Today, we have the capacity to provide wide-scale treatment and to target prevention to populations at higher risk of HIV infection. We see that post-conflict and transition periods bring an increased risk of HIV and for sexual violence to countries, and we understand how to address both of these challenges. We have made progress; now we need to scale up.

"Since 1308, we have come to understand that peacekeepers and the millions of people in uniform can play a leading role in HIV prevention as they secure peace around the world. Their extensive contacts with populations in conflict, post-conflict and other settings position them as agents of positive change—particularly with respect to preventing violence against women and girls in conflict. "

"We have come a long way since health issues were first discussed in this Council. I continue to bring AIDS to the Council's attention on scores of occasions through my reports on sexual and gender-based violence and when we highlight the important contributions of women to peace and security. Whenever AIDS is part of the equation, the United Nations is working to be part of the solution.

"For our personnel, pre-deployment HIV training is standard.We have trained over 1,500 peacekeepers as peer counsellors. The number of blue helmets seeking voluntary counselling and testing increased from fewer than 2,000 to more than 14,000 in just five years. But we are not just helping our peacekeepers – they work so people recovering from war do not also have to recover from disease.

"Before resolution 1308 was adopted, uniformed personnel were viewed in terms of the risk they might pose to civilians. Now we understand that UN troops and police are part of prevention, treatment and care. For example, we are working in Côte d'Ivoire, which has the highest prevalence of HIV in West Africa.

"Portugal commends the collaboration between DPKO and UNAIDS in addressing HIV and AIDS awareness among peacekeeping personnel, and believes that the United Nations should take the lead in setting the highest possible medical standards in protecting both UN personnel and the local population from this epidemic."

"Likewise, the adoption of the comprehensive strategy to eliminate sexual abuse in United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations is a major step in the right direction. The zero tolerance policy in these missions stands also as a key factor in this area, while a comprehensive policy to prevent sexual abuse should extend to all fields of the United Nations' work.

"It is important that countries increasingly harmonize pre-deployment and in-country awareness programmes, as it is as important to raise awareness of peacekeeping and peacebuilding personnel of the medical risks in the mission area, as well as their capacity to deal with them.