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Madam President,
We thank for convening today’s open debate on an important subject.We thank the Secretary General and Special Representative Zainab Bangura for their briefings; and appreciate the statement of the NGO representative Ms. Rhoda Misaka.
Sexual violence, rape, molestation and different forms of sexual abuse committed by individuals or groups, during armed conflicts, are egregious and reprehensible crimes. Sexual violence is being systematically used as an instrument of war in many parts of the world, as testimonies established this morning.
Sexual predators target vulnerable women and girls; men and boys. Their criminal acts inflict deep trauma, leave lasting scars, cause serious moral harm, and slap huge social and economic costs on communities. Sexual violence remains one of the major causes of the flight from homes and resultant displacement. These crimes constitute a threat to international peace and security.
The UN has done a lot; but more needs to be done. As the Secretary General’s Report notes, the situation has actually worsened in certain parts of the world. Our collective efforts should therefore focus on converting commitments into concrete, action-oriented preventative measures. We should collectively create a culture of zero tolerance for sexual violence.
Madam President,
In this context, I would like to highlight the following points:
First, the Security Council should continue to address the women and peace and security agenda in accordance with its primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. This mandate pertains to sexual violence in armed conflict and post-conflict situations. These parameters should be fully respected in order to retain the strong consensus that exists on this issue. We should guard against inclusion of peripheral issues that relate to women's rights in general, and which do not fall within the Council’s mandate.
Second, end to impunity should continue to remain highest priority. Perpetrators should be brought to justice and they should be removed from the positions of authority. We strongly endorse Special Representative Bangura's appeal today to shift the stigma from the victims to the perpetrators of sexual crimes.
Third, more human and financial resources should be invested in security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration efforts to erect barriers against sexual violence. In post-conflict situations too, close attention should be given to punitive and retributive justice. In this context, capacity building of the transitional criminal justice mechanisms, including prosecutorial capacity, should be accorded priority.
Fourth, UN personnel operating in areas of armed conflict should be properly trained and equipped for providing service on ground for victims of sexual violence. Inter-Agency Network on Action against Sexual Violence is a useful platform. The inclusion of Women Protection Advisors in peacekeeping operations is making a difference on the ground.
Fifth, multidimensional peacekeeping missions with the relevant mandates play a key role in combating sexual violence. As a leading participant in peacekeeping, Pakistan has contributed to this effort. Gender-sensitization, as a core cultural value, has been a mandatory part of our training for peacekeepers. Pakistani women have served as police officers, doctors and nurses in various missions in Asia, Africa and the Balkans. Our feedback about the work of the police officers is positive. Women police officers, instinctually and because of their training, show empathy to women trapped in conflict situations who, in turn, relate instantly to these police officers.
Sixth, women should participate in larger numbers in the decision making processes on ceasefires, peace agreements and post-conflict peace building.
Finally, Madam President, the best way to eliminate conflict-related sexual violence is to prevent and resolve conflicts, and address the cross-cutting issues of governance, rule of law and economic development. The issues of sexual violence and the overall objectives of protecting the rights of women and children need to be pursued by the Council and the UN system in a holistic manner within their respective mandates. This requires a comprehensive, multi-sectoral and multidimensional approach as suggested by the Secretary-General.
Thank you.