S/PV.6453 Security Council

On behalf of the Security Council, I extend invitations under rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure to Ms. Margot Wallström, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Mr. Alain Le Roy, Under- Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, and Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye, Military Adviser of the Office of Military Affairs in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. It is so decided. I have received a letter from His Excellency Mr. Pedro Serrano, Acting Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, in which he requests to be invited to participate in this meeting, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure. There being no objection, it is so decided. I now give the floor to His Excellency Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon.

Thank you very much, Madam President, for convening this important meeting. I appreciate your personal attention to the problem of sexual violence, which is a top priority for me and the United Nations system. I thank all members of the Security Council for the draft resolution to be adopted during the course of this meeting. The Council will thereby put in place a vital building block for holding perpetrators accountable. It will also send out a resounding message to those who would violate both women’s bodies and the law that impunity will not be tolerated. But let us remember that even as we take this step here, catastrophe is unfolding for communities caught in the chaos of conflicts. Armed elements are targeting civilians, raping women and men and terrorizing entire populations. Premeditated campaigns are being waged with the most sinister goals: to silence women leaders, empty areas that are filled with rich minerals but poor people, recruit others and perpetuate the cycle of abuse. Sexual violence shatters lives, devastates countries and destroys hope. Victims who might have contributed to development are shunned. Girls who might have grown into great leaders cannot even attend school. In many places, the threat is so pervasive that women cannot cultivate land, collect water or get the fuel they need to cook and feed their families — for fear that they will be attacked in the process. Often, perpetrators seem to reserve particular cruelty for children, intentionally traumatizing boys and girls by forcing them to watch as their mothers are attacked or by attacking the children themselves. Earlier this year, this horrific reality played out in Walikale, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Hundreds of women were raped, as were girls, boys and men. One young girl, just five years-old, suffered such severe physical injuries that she may never fully recover. We can only imagine the psychological trauma she now endures. Victims may survive such attacks only to be subjected to another form of abuse. Sexual violence is one of the only crimes where the victims — and not the perpetrators — are left with stigma. This is true not only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but in other countries around the world. Victims are shamed and marginalized. Their husbands reject them. Men and boys who are sexually attacked often suffer isolation and discrimination. Just when these individuals need support from their communities, it falls away. Silencing the victims only benefits the perpetrators. It feeds impunity, which erodes faith in the justice system. Make no mistake: this is intentional and part of the very design of the violence. Attacks on women are attacks on peace itself. That is why we must do more to fight stigma, protect women’s security and help the victims. They need services and they deserve comprehensive reparations. This is critical to recovery for individuals and justice for society. The United Nations and the international community can support national efforts, but we cannot supplant them. I call on leaders to join me in declaring that enough is enough. We cannot permit the sexual violence that is used as a tactic of war to become a way of life. The United Nations is working in conflict areas and troubled areas around the world to protect populations and combat impunity. We have seen that determined and concerted action can yield positive results. In Walikale, peacekeepers of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), in a joint operation with Congolese forces, arrested “Lieutenant Colonel” Mayele, who was allegedly responsible for commanding the mass rapes. But many perpetrators are still at large. MONUSCO and the United Nations system are helping the Democratic Republic of the Congo authorities to investigate the crimes, protect witnesses and bring perpetrators to justice. MONUSCO has also launched a targeted operation to better protect civilians in the affected areas. As a result, a number of suspected human rights abusers have been arrested and many internally displaced people able to return to their homes. Important steps have also been taken at the international level, including the recent arrests of leaders of the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda in France and Germany, and the work of the International Criminal Court on sexual violence crimes. Today’s draft resolution gives us sharper tools and sharper teeth in the fight against sexual violence. It gives me a mandate to list, in my reports on this question, parties who commit such acts. It challenges the United Nations system to provide better information, and it reaffirms the Council’s commitment to adopting sanctions against perpetrators. I will do everything possible to ensure that the draft resolution leads to real protection for populations at risk. My Special Representative is bringing the voices of women to the Council’s deliberations. I am grateful that she has been invited to brief the Council today, and hope that she has many opportunities to do so again in the future. The Council’s sustained political support for the deployment of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and the protection of advisors in affected countries will be critical as we move ahead. The entire United Nations system is mobilized under my campaign “UNiTE to End Violence against Women”. We are working to change attitudes across the world. Together, the United Nations, national Governments and the international community can eliminate this menace and secure a better future for all people.

I thank the Secretary-General for his statement. I now give the floor to Ms. Margot Wallström, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. Ms. Wallström: I am grateful for the opportunity to address the Council on this important occasion. Although it is my fourth briefing as Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, today’s meeting is in many ways a first. It is not merely a reiteration or renewal of commitments; rather, it is a decisive step towards a comprehensive monitoring and accountability architecture, aimed at shattering the vicious cycle of impunity for wartime sexual violence. Allow me to start by expressing my appreciation for the leadership of the United States, all Council members for their support of today’s resolution, and the more than 60 Member States that have co- sponsored this landmark text and are participating in today’s debate. I would also like to particularly thank the Secretary-General for his strong personal engagement on this issue. My remarks this afternoon will outline what the Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/604) and the resulting resolution mean for the United Nations system in general, and my mandate in particular. When I accepted this mandate, I consulted an array of United Nations, governmental and non- governmental experts on one critical question: What should be our measure of success? Over the past decade, successive Council resolutions have recognized that international peace and security is indivisible from women’s peace and security. And yet, I began my mandate in the knowledge that today, as throughout history, wartime sexual violence is never adequately recognized, reported or remedied. Rape persists in contexts of conflict and unrest across the globe because, without the credible threat of consequences, there is no deterrent. The impact on the ground in other areas of Council practice, such as the protection of children in armed conflict and the work of sanctions committees, is real and proven. Thus, our measure of success must be the implementation of a system whereby timely and reliable information on sexual violence flows from the country to the global level, where it provides a basis for accountability and action. Under the long shadow cast by the mass rapes in Walikale, the United Nations can do no less than bring all of its accountability tools to bear. This must apply equally whether the victim is an eight-year-old girl or an 80-year-old grandmother. Today, we are poised to make that system a reality. The report currently before the Council outlines such a system, structured around four pillars: first, monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements in relevant countries; secondly, a mandate to list parties to conflicts on the Council’s agenda that are credibly suspected of committing patterns of sexual violence; thirdly, to use this list as a platform for engaging those parties in a structured dialogue to obtain protection commitments; and finally, tracking measures to prevent and punish sexual violence that can result in either de-listing or, in the case of persistent violators, referral to sanctions committees. In 10 years of the women, peace and security agenda, there has never been an accountability system that directly engages armed groups in protection and prevention. This is despite the fact that sexual violence — which devastates the lives and livelihoods of countless women — has been recognized as a grave breach of international humanitarian law since the early 1990s. The new structure will help to ensure that mass rape is never again met with mass impunity. Instead of serving as a cheap and silent tactic of war, sexual violence will be a liability for armed groups. It will expose their superiors to increased international scrutiny and pressure, seal off the corridors of power and close all exits to those who commit, command or condone such acts. This will reinforce the line between a commander and a criminal. A reliable monitoring and accountability system must be built on a common conceptual foundation. To this end, the Secretary-General’s report defines for the first time the concept of conflict-related sexual violence. This frame of reference will shed light not only on the profile of the perpetrators, but the factors that facilitate or restrain perpetration. It is, after all, impossible to prevent what we do not fully understand. When my Office reviewed the data being collected from the field, it became evident that sexual violence as a tactic or consequence of war was not captured under existing categories. For instance, the rubric “violence against women” does not reflect cases against men and boys; the label “harmful traditional practices” mischaracterizes sexual violence as cultural or traditional; and the term “gender-based violence” does not reflect the fact that gender discrimination is not the only rationale for sexual violence as a method of ethnic cleansing or a tactic of terror. As a number of field colleagues have noted, the issue warrants specific consideration. It is also significant that this report also appears under the General Assembly agenda item entitled “Prevention of conflict”. That is an appropriate — albeit untraditional — lens, as rape increases the spiral of violence, prolongs conflict and exacerbates its impact on civilians. This approach helps to refute the myth that sexual violence is opportunistic or inevitable by illustrating causal links with security factors and actors. It also counters the stereotype that women are inherently vulnerable by highlighting how they are — intentionally, or through lax command and control structures — placed at risk. Because sexual violence has traditionally been viewed as the random acts of a few renegades or part of the spoils of war, it has been ignored in peace talks, reparations schemes and funding frameworks for recovery. Sexual violence is absent even from peace agreements that followed wars where it was a major feature of the fighting, such as in Bosnia, Sierra Leone and Liberia. It has rarely been included in ceasefire agreements, which only call for an end to acts considered as part of the conflict. Historically, sexual violence by soldiers was prosecuted with a view to restoring military discipline, rather than upholding women’s rights. The perspective of the victim and the question of reparations barely featured. In all of those respects, the new analytical framework will have an impact. Though we may never have all the answers, we can ask more focused questions. Indeed, after resolution 1820 (2008), the question is no longer whether sexual violence is a peace and security matter for the Security Council, but when. The Secretary-General’s report provides a number of examples. They include sexual violence linked with forced displacement, to control coveted territory and lucrative natural resources, by spoilers to destabilize a peace process, in the context of elections, to extract information during detention or disarmament, and sexual violence that has become normalized in communities that have seen it go unpunished during years of war as well as in countries that have integrated known abusers into national forces. Such violence cannot be separated from the broader security challenges confronting the Council. This understanding is borne out by what I have seen in the field and heard from the survivors. The words of one woman I met negate the traditional hierarchy of wartime horrors that has trivialized rape relative to murder and torture. She said: “They have taken my life without killing me”. When I was in Bosnia and Herzegovina last month, I was reminded that this hierarchy is also a logic on which the perpetrators often rely. For instance, at the start of the well-known Foca trial before the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the three men charged with sexual slavery could barely understand why they were being tried for what was “only” rape, stating by way of defense: “But I could have killed them.” The estimated 50,000 rapes that occurred during the conflict in Bosnia have resulted in just 12 convictions in national courts. The process has been painfully slow. Women describe being treated in the courtroom as just another exhibit from which evidence can be extracted, saying: “It is better to be a criminal than a victim in this system”. Most women who endured unspeakable brutality now endure the indignity of seeing their former assailant in the street, the bank or the supermarket, flaunting their impunity. I met with women who, 15 years after the peace agreement, still shake, sigh and weep, and one described how the soldiers led her to the entrance of a rape camp, which she remembers as the door to hell. Rape victims are the only casualties of war that a nation dishonours rather than honours. Their war wounds represent not sacrifice, but shame. When I was in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I learned that not a single victim or community has received reparations for sexual violence, not even the approximately 2,000 survivors who have managed to obtain a judgment in their favour. In Liberia, despite 14 years of civil war in which rape was rampant, and despite the reintegration of ex-combatants into society with no psychological counselling, the explanation I heard most frequently for why rape remains the number-one reported crime was “the way women dress”. The idea that women are deserving of this violence, or used to it, or that it is their culture, makes a mockery of the notion of universal human rights. Women across the Kivus did not tell me “if only this were not our culture”; they said “if only it were not for the war”. Our current understanding of conflict-related sexual violence is a credit to the Bosnian women who broke the silence about rape as a crime of war. It is a credit to the women of the Congo who continue to work and build networks even in the face of terror. And it is a credit to the human rights defenders on the front lines. But our monitoring and reporting must become more systematic, timely and complete. Ultimately, sexual violence is not just a tragedy we must redress, but a threat we must prevent. My Office, in partnership with UN Women and others, will develop an early- warning matrix of risk factors to draw attention to the red flags that may signal a spike in sexual violence. Women’s protection advisers will have an important role to play in the new monitoring system. Looking forward, significant challenges and opportunities remain in implementing the mandate I have been given by this Council. From the outset, I have made ending impunity my top priority. I remain convinced that in many ways, prosecution is prevention. I recently attended the opening of the Bemba trial at the International Criminal Court, the first international investigation in which alleged rapes far outnumber alleged killings. This sends a powerful signal that no military or political leader is above the law and no woman is below it. Beyond prosecution, there is a need for recognition and reparation. The aim is to bring the perpetrators to justice, but also to bring justice to the victims. My Office will continue to support the capacity of Governments affected by armed conflict to address sexual violence. Specifically, the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law will help Governments to enhance accountability. I am delighted to have the newly appointed Team Leader with me today in this Chamber. I also add my voice to that of the Council in encouraging troop-contributing countries to invite the mobile support team on sexual violence to present training scenarios to their troops prior to deployment. While the resolution to be adopted by the Council today is a welcome development, like any New Year’s resolution, what matters most is the resolve to uphold it every day of the year. To that end, I urge the Council to give sexual violence continuous consideration. Long after the guns fall silent, the consequences of rape remain. For women and girls who walk to marketplaces, water collection points or schools on roads still controlled by armed groups and return home to communities teeming with ex-combatants, the war is not over. Sexual violence has been called a war within a war, but often it continues as a war within the peace. War lives on in the children born of rape and orphaned by violence, who line the roads in gangs, begging for money and food, aspiring to be soldiers. By attacking shared values, sexual violence destroys not only people, but their sense of being a people. We cannot bring justice to every victim throughout the history of war. But what we are here to do today, and from this moment on, is to ensure that conflict-related sexual violence no longer goes unreported, unaddressed or unpunished. That will be our collective measure of success.

I thank Ms. Wallström for her statement. I now give the floor to Mr. Alain Le Roy, Under- Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations.

I too thank the Council presidency for having taken the initiative to organize this important debate. This is an opportunity for us to review the efforts of peacekeeping missions against sexual violence in times of conflict. This question remains one of the major challenges confronting us. The Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the Department of Field Support (DFS) are deeply concerned by ongoing sexual violence against civilians, in particular women and children, in conflict zones in spite of repeated condemnations by the international community. In 2010, DPKO and DFS launched various targeted initiatives to improve the implementation of our protection mandates. We have concentrated our efforts on the prevention of protection incidents by missions and on strengthening their capacities to support national authorities in the implementation of their responsibilities to protect civilians in their territories. It is vital to recognize that peacekeeping missions are but one protection actor among others, beginning, of course, with the Government of the host country, and that they cannot guarantee absolute protection. We have always said that we expect each mission component to do its utmost to prevent any occurrence of sexual violence. After developing the operational concepts earlier this year, we centred our actions around five key pillars in order to improve the planning and implementation of our protection mandates. These are: first, the development of a strategic reference framework to guide the development of missions’ protection strategies; second, training modules on the protection of civilians for pre- and post-deployment courses, which include practical exercises and address all components of peacekeeping missions; third, an assessment of resources and capacities necessary for the implementation of our civilian protection mandates; fourth, an in-depth study of planning processes for the protection of civilians pre- and post- deployment; and finally, capacity-building initiatives. We are working on a definition of standard capacities for our military personnel in order to better define our expectations for performance in civilian protection, and for our other mandated duties. We have also undertaken specific initiatives to combat sexual violence, which are clearly at the centre of our efforts to protect civilians. (spoke in English) Addressing impunity, for example through the establishment of the rule of law and accountability, is another key plank of our ongoing efforts to address conflict-related sexual violence. DPKO, together with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Development Programme, developed the conceptual framework for a rapidly deployable team of experts on sexual violence in armed conflict, pursuant to Security Council resolution 1888 (2009). Members of the team, including a DPKO judicial officer, are currently in the process of being recruited, as just mentioned by Ms. Wallström. A number of illustrative examples from the field include the case of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), where the military legal adviser in Goma is currently providing technical support to Congolese military justice authorities in the conduct of the Walikale investigation. MONUSCO is carrying out an ongoing procedural efficiency and fairness project, which provides training to military and civilian judges and prosecutors, with a particular focus on conflict-related sexual violence. The Mission is also in the process of establishing prosecution support cells to assist the military justice authorities of the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC) in prosecuting persons arrested by the FARDC. The United Nations Mission in the Sudan provides technical support to the Government of Southern Sudan to review, amend and enact legislation that ensures protection from sexual and gender-based violence. In the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), there is a project currently under way to train prosecution and investigation teams specifically on sexual and gender-based violence issues. In 2009, the Liberian judiciary launched, with the support of UNMIL, a dedicated court for sexual and gender-based violence cases that pays special attention to victim and witness protection. We are addressing the question of the training of DPKO personnel to address conflict-related sexual violence in a comprehensive manner. I would like to highlight that DPKO and DFS are building the capacity of United Nations police officers to protect women and children from sexual violence through the development of a standardized training curriculum for United Nations police on investigating and preventing sexual and gender-based violence. Capacity-building continues on the ground through the establishment of specialized police units and training curricula for investigators. These have proven effective in several peacekeeping missions. The United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste, for example, has conducted training for the Timor-Leste national police on gender-based violence investigations. It has also produced a manual on the topic for community police and elements of the Vulnerable Persons Units. DPKO and DFS are also planning to launch a United Nations police standardized best practices toolkit on gender and policing in peacekeeping operations in 2011, the aim of which is to ensure that such practices are shared among peacekeeping missions and implemented. On the question of preparing peacekeeping personnel to implement their mandate to protect and to respond to conflict-related sexual violence, we are developing a training curriculum on gender mainstreaming for military components, based on the DPKO/DFS gender guidelines for United Nations military in peacekeeping operations, which will help military components to mainstream gender and protection from conflict-related sexual violence at the strategic, operational and tactical levels. General Gaye is in charge of that. In addition, in partnership with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and UN Women, scenario- based training materials developed on the basis of Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence: An Analytical Inventory of Peacekeeping Practice are also under development for military components. The DPKO/DFS operational guidance to assist civilian, military and police components of peacekeeping missions to implement resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) is in its final stages and will support the overall implementation of those resolutions in peacekeeping missions. Also in collaboration with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, we have taken steps to act on the request by this Council to appoint women’s protection advisers in peacekeeping missions. We are currently undertaking consultations with our missions concerning the role and the responsibilities of women’s protection advisers. Our preliminary discussions thus far indicate that the recruitment of advisers will need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, owing to the differing architecture and challenges of each peacekeeping operation. We are striving to ensure that the way forward supports an integrated response that reinforces existing capacities on the ground, thus avoiding fragmentation and duplication of responsibilities. As the Council is well aware, there remain a number of systemic challenges that prevent us from providing effective protection from conflict-related sexual violence. The insufficient number of female uniformed personnel is one of those challenges. In the absence of sufficient female personnel, the missions are often unable to effectively reach out to those we are mandated to protect, the majority of whom are women and children. In spite of these constraints, our missions are endeavouring to do their best with the limited capacities they possess. For example, we have seen that the recruitment of national community liaison assistants has provided the necessary link between troops and local communities in the Kivus and is contributing towards enhanced protection of the civilian population. It is critical that this important outreach capacity be supported by a sufficient number of female Community liaison assistants, who will be able to communicate effectively with the women in the local communities we endeavour to protect. It should be noted, however, that there are sometimes cultural constraints involved with the use of female assistants. On a more systemic level, the results of the Police Division’s global effort have allowed us to increase the proportion of female police officers in our missions from 7.8 per cent to nearly 10 per cent now in one year. It is of note, for example, that women account for 24 per cent of the police personnel in the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur. In closing, I would like to stress that the economic, social and political empowerment of women within societies affected by armed conflict is fundamental to eradicate sexual and gender-based violence. Women must participate in reforming and building the institutions that will provide for their protection and indeed, for the protection of all civilians.

I thank Mr. Le Roy for his statement. I now give the floor to Lieutenant General Gaye. Lieutenant General Gaye: It is an honour to stand before the Council and to share my experience in addressing conflict-related sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On 4 April 2005, I took up my functions as Force Commander of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), and on 8 April I travelled to Walungu in South Kivu on an initial visit to the company deployed there. During the Commander’s briefing, I was informed of raids by the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda on villages where women were kidnapped, turned into sex slaves and released only when they became pregnant. That was later confirmed to me in a letter from the Ninja group chief, which I have kept religiously. It was in this way that, within a few days of stepping onto Congolese soil, I was made aware of the gravity and magnitude of the sexual violence that was prevalent in that country. It is with that in mind that I wish to pay tribute to Ms. Wallström and to you, Madame President, for your contributions to the fight against sexual violence and for the protection of civilians. As a former Force Commander in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, I would like to emphasize that commitment to preventing sexual violence is a key part of the broader effort to protect civilians. It was therefore an integral and specific component of the Mission’s implementation strategy for the protection of civilians and in support of the national authorities, with a view to ensuring the sustainability of efforts to build local ownership in addressing protection priorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. MONUC worked diligently in coordination with protection partners to develop a Mission strategy to address protection issues in a coherent and holistic conceptual framework. Furthermore, we issued a practical set of specific guidelines on sexual and gender-based violence for tactical-level military and field-level troops to improve preventive and responsive actions by offering a checklist of activities to be undertaken by military components in response to sexual violence against civilians. From my experience in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, addressing sexual violence requires the following: first of all, clear commitment from the leadership all the way from the top down; translating that commitment into operational orders and directives for the Mission; awareness of what constitutes a security threat, taking into account the perspectives of the local community, including women’s organizations, with adequate flexibility and capacity to adapt military operations, including deployment tactics, patterns and frequency of patrols, information analysis, and response and adaptation to protection needs; strengthening civilian-military relationships, including specific outreach to community women so they can give information about patterns of attack and so that peacekeepers can also build confidence; improving understanding of local, political, social and protection dynamics; enhancing the capacity to address emergency situations; and acting as a catalyst to build confidence at all levels within the local community. Secondly, the strategy elaborated by the leadership must be implemented on the ground. As a Force Commander and a member of the senior management of the integrated peacekeeping mission, I ensured that my force directives, concept of operations, rules of engagement — approved by the Under- Secretary-General — and standard operating procedures reflected the task of protecting civilians, including women and children, from sexual violence. Our military leaders, from my Deputy Force Commander to battalion and company commanders, understood this mandated responsibility, which they translated into practical operations aimed at protecting civilians from physical violence and facilitating the establishment of a protective environment. Some of those operations and key considerations included identifying high-risk areas and vulnerabilities; improving military liaison with local populations through community liaison interpreters; taking mitigation measures and employing crisis response; and coordinating with humanitarian partners, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations. Lastly, strategies to counter sexual violence should take account of lessons learned to identify weaknesses within the system and to assess the efficiency of the mechanisms in place in order to make necessary adjustments. In view of this, experience and lessons learned reaffirm that responding to sexual violence inflicted on women and children by armed elements in our areas of operation is an integral part of peacekeepers’ responsibility to deliver better protection of civilians. In this connection, and as Mr. Le Roy stated, the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and Field Support have developed a number of guidelines, including the operational concept, the strategic framework for drafting protection of civilian strategies in peacekeeping operations, and the inventory of peacekeeping practices, intended to address conflict- related sexual violence. In my current capacity as Military Adviser in Peacekeeping Operations, I will endeavour to ensure that military planning processes integrate protection priorities and that our force generation efforts respond to the skill set and capabilities required to carry out protection of civilians tasks. In addition, I am considering issuing specific guidelines for heads of military components on the protection of civilians, including against sexual violence, as a priority in the Office of Military Affairs. Last but not least, I will also continue to engage Member States to deploy female military personnel, as Mr. Le Roy urged. The success and sustainability of our efforts to prevent sexual violence in conflict situations require the engagement of all partners and an integrated approach to promoting women’s rights and security.

I thank Lieutenant General Gaye for his briefing. Members of the Council have before them document S/2010/641, containing the text of a draft resolution submitted by Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Benin, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor- Leste, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America. Members also have before them document S/2010/604, containing the report of the Secretary- General on the implementation of Security Council resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009). It is my understanding that the Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. Unless I hear any objection, I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. There being no objection, it is so decided. A vote was taken by show of hands. In favour: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, China, France, Gabon, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Russian Federation, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America

There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 1960 (2010). I remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than four minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. Delegations with lengthy statements are kindly requested to circulate the text in writing and to deliver a condensed version when speaking in the Chamber. I now give the floor to the members of the Council. Sir Mark Lyall Grant (United Kingdom): I thank you, Madame, for convening this open debate. Unfortunately, the issue of sexual violence is all too relevant to the work of the Security Council, as we have heard when discussing many different conflict situations this year. I would like to thank the Secretary- General for the personal interest that he has shown in this important dossier and I thank him, Under- Secretary-General Le Roy and Lieutenant General Gaye for their briefings. I would also like to pay special tribute to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Margot Wallström. In less than a year, she has had a great impact. Her global advocacy role has given this issue prominence in public debate, pushing for an end to impunity, including in relation to the Walikale mass rapes. Her field visits to speak with survivors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and her briefings have brought the voices of those women to the Council to inform our deliberations. If we are going to resolve and prevent conflict effectively, we must help to protect women from violence, particularly sexual violence. That understanding is now fundamental to the way that the Security Council approaches its responsibilities. In October, on the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), many Member States identified the need for concrete action to accompany the political support that the Council has given to this important agenda. We agree. We need to translate political commitments into tangible lasting action on the ground. Without such practical action, we will fail the victims of sexual violence. The United Kingdom has clearly set out its commitments in its new national action plan. The plan was launched on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The commitments include strengthening the role of women in structures and processes within the Government of the United Kingdom designed to address conflict; country-specific action plans that set out the action we will take on the ground to support women in priority countries, starting with Afghanistan, Nepal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo; working to strengthen the implementation of commitments by the international community; and continuing our strong advocacy role in multilateral and regional organizations. The British Government has also announced the appointment of a minister with special responsibility for combating violence against women overseas. Nowhere is the need for concrete commitments greater than in situations of armed conflict. As resolution 1960 (2010) highlights, sexual violence continues to be a widely used weapon of warfare. It stigmatizes survivors, divides communities, exacerbates and prolongs conflict, and impedes the restoration of peace and security. Impunity for such crimes can prevent a society from recovering from conflict. It is clear that the proliferation of sexual violence against women and girls is often aimed at marginalizing their contribution to society. It deliberately degrades the role that they can play in restoring the fabric of peaceful communities. So, in addition to the appalling human cost, there is a deeply damaging impact on societies as a whole. I would like to take a moment to highlight the significant steps forward that we have taken today with resolution 1960 (2010). First, it contains a new provision to identify parties to armed conflict that is credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for acts of rape and other forms of sexual violence. That will help our efforts to tackle impunity for crimes of sexual violence and conflict. Second are increased monitoring, analysis and reporting. That will help us to develop a more comprehensive and integrated approach. More effective monitoring of patterns of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict should allow the Council to identify and mandate the action necessary to prevent it. Thirdly, we will be able to address the arbitrary division that has been created by a monitoring and reporting mechanism for children in armed conflict who are subject to patterns of sexual violence when no such protection is afforded to those older than 18. I thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive and ambitious report (S/2010/604). I am pleased that the Council has welcomed the report as a strong signal of our intention to support and assist in the eradication of sexual violence as a tactic of warfare. This terminology and its consideration by the Council are relatively new, but the tragic reality is not. We look forward to progress by the Secretary-General on his work with parties to armed conflict to ensure that such unacceptable abuses that threaten international peace and security come to an end.

I thank the Secretary-General for his statement and welcome the valuable briefing by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Margot Wallström, as well as the statements of Under-Secretary-General Le Roy and Lieutenant General Gaye. Allow me also to express Mexico’s appreciation for the leadership that the United States has shown in the fight against sexual violence in armed conflict. During its membership of the Security Council, Mexico has sought to promote a broad agenda of the protection of civilians in armed conflict, pursuant to the relevant provisions of international humanitarian law. In these past two years, significant steps have been taken to ensure that women and children will no longer be the principal victims of the violence to which armed conflict give rise. One aspect of particular concern is sexual violence in armed conflict or post-conflict situations, as that subject cannot be approached simply from a gender perspective. The impact on society of sexual violence used as a tactic of war is so great that addressing it must be an integral part of any strategy for peace and security. Sexual violence encourages the perpetuation of conflicts, promotes the displacement of populations and limits development opportunities. Certain groups, such as displaced persons, refugees and persons with disabilities, are particularly vulnerable to such crimes and require special attention. Mexico believes that it is not enough to recall that crimes of sexual violence against women have been criminalized. It is necessary to act on our support for strengthening the International Criminal Court (ICC) in order to prosecute the perpetrators of sexual violence in the context of armed conflict. For that reason, we are closely following the work of the ICC in the case brought against Jean-Pierre Bemba, and we reiterate our firm support for the Court. The atrocities committed against women and children in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and other regions of the world are permanent reminders of the fact that existing norms are flagrantly flouted. Ensuring respect for international law is an ongoing challenge, for which the primary responsibility falls to States. Mexico reiterates its call on States to fully meet their obligations under international humanitarian law and the norms of human rights and refugee law. With the establishment of the mandate of the Special Representative, an important step was taken to address this phenomenon, and in the short time that she has held that post Ms. Wallström has made it clear that, while there are broad challenges, it is possible to provide a comprehensive and effective response to victims of sexual violence and to make that issue a priority of our strategies for peace and reconciliation. Through resolution 1960 (2010), adopted today, the Security Council has strengthened the mechanisms for the collection and analysis of information on the ground. It gives the Special Representative an additional tool by asking her to include, in the annex to her reports, the names of parties to an armed conflict on the agenda of the Security Council who systematically commit rape or other forms of sexual violence. My delegation is particularly satisfied by the coordination that Ms. Wallström has maintained with the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy. It seems to us that, concerning the particularities and special focus of each mechanism, there are clear synergies and areas of cooperation that can further optimize the impact of the two agendas of protection for civilians in general and women and children in particular. We recognize that the Security Council has taken determined steps to eliminate the problem of sexual violence in armed conflict. It must continue its work pursuant to resolution 1888 (2009) based on the following four pillars: the fight against impunity; the prevention of new cases and protection of vulnerable groups; security sector reform; and comprehensive care and reparations for victims. The Security Council faces significant challenges. It must ensure the functioning and impact of the monitoring system and the presentation of reports on sexual violence in conflict, and systematically include components on gender and on prevention of sexual violence in the terms of reference of its field visits and the mandates for its peacekeeping operations. My delegation hopes that the Security Council will step up its efforts to combat this problem more effectively.

France joins in the statement to be made on behalf of the European Union. I welcome the initiative of the United States presidency of the Council to convene this open debate. In adopting resolution 1888 (2009) last year, the Security Council improved the regime for combating sexual violence in armed conflict. My delegation reiterates its support for the work of Ms. Wallström, Special Representative of the Secretary-General. We welcome the progress made towards strengthening the rule of law in countries in conflict. We welcome the firm commitment of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, led by Alain Le Roy, and the contribution of civil society and non-governmental organizations. Resolution 1960 (2010), adopted today, will support that momentum. UN Women must play its full role in those common efforts. At the same time, the Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/604) gives cause for alarm. Sexual violence continues to be used as a weapon of war by parties to conflicts in a number of regions worldwide. We all recall the mass rapes committed in Walikale this past summer, and we expect the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to inform the Security Council about measures taken to assist the victims and to combat impunity. Beyond that tragic situation, no one can remain impassive to the violence perpetrated in the Sudan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Burma against women belonging to minority ethnic groups, or in Côte d’Ivoire, where recent developments have caused increased concern. We expect that procedures carried out in Guinea following the crimes perpetrated in the Conakry stadium in September 2009 will be rapidly completed. However, we welcome the development of a strategy to combat sexual violence in Chad and the establishment of a special tribunal in Liberia. The United Nations has a particular responsibility with regard to the phenomenon of sexual violence. Indeed, peacekeeping operations must establish strategies on sexual violence. Gender advisors, advisors on the protection of women, and human rights units have a vital role to play in this context. It is also essential to engage in dialogue with parties to armed conflict on the issue of sexual violence. Every opportunity must be taken to educate the parties on their obligations and to encourage them to change their behaviour. The fight against sexual violence must be accompanied by programmes to assist victims and provide them with care and opportunities for rehabilitation. Given the scope of the challenges to be addressed by the United Nations, France welcomes the Council’s resolve in this area. The resolution we adopted today has three main areas of progress. First, it will allow the Council to receive reliable information in real time on which to base its actions. France therefore supports the establishment of procedures to monitor, analyse and communicate information on situations of concern. The Council has set political parametres: coherence and coordination on the ground, on the one hand, and respect for the integrity and specificity of the mechanism to protect children in armed conflict, on the other. In that context, the United Nations and all its entities must now work to establish the most effective system possible on the ground. The resolution then provides a way to list parties who commit systematic sexual violence. That represents important progress in harmonizing human rights protection regimes established by the Council to the benefit of women and children. Implementing these measures will require strengthened cooperation between Ms. Coomaraswamy and Ms. Wallström. The resolution finally strengthens the prospects of sanctions against the perpetrators and those responsible for sexual violence. It is vital that the Council systematically examine the possibility of including sexual violence as a criteria for sanctions during the establishment or review of the mandates of sanctions committees. The resolution requests the parties to make specific commitments and to implement them on the ground. Among these, we attach particular importance to the fight against impunity. Allow me to reiterate here the contribution of the International Criminal Court in cases where sexual violence constitutes war crimes, crimes against humanity or crimes of genocide. In conclusion, our commitment to combating sexual violence is inseparable from the framework of follow-up to resolution 1325 (2000) in strengthening the role of women in conflict prevention and settlement and in peacebuilding.

First, I wish to thank you, Madame, for organizing today’s open debate. I would also like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Special Representative Wallström, Under-Secretary- General Le Roy and Lieutenant General Gaye for their comprehensive briefings. Wartime sexual violence has been the subject of one of history’s greatest silences for long enough. While the Security Council has adopted landmark resolutions to try to combat what has been termed a weapon of war, United Nations actors on the ground still lack the necessary tools to fight this war crime. Resolution 1960 (2010), adopted by the Council today, provides them with some of these needed tools. The Council has requested the Secretary-General to list, in an annex to his annual report, parties that are credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of rape and other forms of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict on the Security Council’s agenda. Hence, the Council is not only signalling to rapists in conflict zones around the world that their acts will no longer go unchecked, but also opening the way for more direct and constructive United Nations engagement with those parties, upon whom we call to make specific and time-bound commitments to combating sexual violence. Sexual violence is not inevitable. It is not cultural and should not be considered as collateral damage. When used systematically as a weapon of war, its purpose is to break the will of people by dominating them in humiliating and dehumanizing ways. It has dire consequences not only on the populations against whom it is perpetrated, but also on international peace and security, as it poses enduring challenges to durable stability and social cohesion. It is therefore our collective responsibility to put an end to it. It is my Government’s hope that today’s resolution will establish formal monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements on conflict-related sexual violence, and generate insightful analysis of trends and patterns to better protect affected populations and inform targeted measures. It is also important to further reinforce trust between local communities and United Nations peacekeeping missions on the ground and to establish effective channels of communication that would provide timely and accurate information in the event of rapes. Female peacekeepers and women protection advisors are crucial in this sense. Where they have been present, local populations have more readily reported on instances of sexual violence. Today’s resolution unequivocally supports their presence and the need to mainstream them. Furthermore, we welcome the development by the Secretariat of scenario-based training materials on combating sexual violence for peacekeepers, and we encourage Member States to use them. Although the tools we have formalized today through resolution 1960 (2010) will undoubtedly make a difference in our efforts to end conflicts through a fair and lasting peace, the accompanying establishment of functional governmental institutions and the rule of law remain the international community’s best bet for providing populations with the protection they deserve, for ending impunity and for enabling victims and communities to begin their painstaking recovery. My country welcomes the adoption of resolution 1960 (2010) today and the clear signal it sends from the international community to perpetrators of the savage crimes of sexual violence around the world that we will not stand idly by as the bodies of women are turned into battlegrounds and that those perpetrators will be held accountable for their acts.

First, allow me to express my gratitude to the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his report (S/2010/604) and his additional remarks here today. It is my firm belief that the work of the Security Council will be greatly enhanced by the report, which contextualizes our understanding of the causes and effects of conflict-related sexual violence. I would also like to thank Under-Secretary-General Alain Le Roy, Military Adviser Babacar Gaye and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Margot Wallström for their briefings. As the nature of conflict evolves, not only are civilians more frequently targeted, but we are also witnessing a disturbing trend in the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war. The international community is rightly appalled by such trends, and it is also our responsibility to take action to protect civilians and prevent such incidents. Conflict-related sexual violence can disenfranchize and displace entire communities. Such outcomes are only the beginning of a spiral of social decline triggered by armed conflict. That chain reaction was recognized in resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009), and our efforts to combat impunity, instil cultures of accountability, tackle deep-rooted attitudes and ultimately protect the vulnerable must now be intensified. All persons of good conscience should be appalled by the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war, visited upon the most vulnerable members of society. Although only recently appointed, Ms. Wallström has already brought sexual violence in conflict firmly into the foreground of the international peace and security landscape. The new momentum she has generated has, we believe, contributed to the arrests of Lieutenant Colonel Mayele and Callixte Mbarushimana in connection with this past summer’s mass rapes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While Special Representative Wallström’s five- point priority agenda recognizes the cultural and political aspects of the problem, we share her conclusion that sexual violence in conflict is likely to occur where the rule of law is weak and where adequate legal mechanisms and institutions are lacking. Consequently, legal mechanisms to deter the use of systematic sexual violence in conflict situations must be put in place. It is therefore vital that the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law receive sustainable funding to develop institutional safeguards and paths for redress in partnership with Government actors. Resolution 1960 (2010), which we have just adopted, also speaks to the need for our peacekeepers to be fully equipped and trained to carry out mandated tasks relating to the prevention of and response to sexual violence. In that regard, Nigeria welcomes the Secretary-General’s development of operational tools for the implementation of mandates for peacekeepers with regard to the protection of civilians. The proposed monitoring and reporting mechanism on sexual violence in conflict is a welcome innovation, building upon that already in place under the children and armed conflict agenda. It is our hope that that tool will encourage accountability and produce timely, reliable information and trend analysis, which the Security Council can use to carry out its responsibility to promote the protection of civilians from conflict-related sexual violence. We also believe that there is scope for the Council to make greater use of Special Representative Wallström as a resource, given that her role brings her closer to situations on the ground. Such realities can help ensure the effectiveness of our decisions and actions. The damage caused by the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war is far reaching. It goes beyond the immediate impact experienced by the individual. It goes beyond the families fragmented by such acts. The scars are deep and are borne by society as a whole. Such acts manifest abhorrent attitudes to women, threaten the progress made toward socioeconomic equality and impede women’s participation in peace and democratic processes. An attack involving sexual violence is indeed an attack on peace, stability and development. If we do not arrest that trend, we risk the normalization of sexual violence as a method of war. Such an outcome cannot be countenanced, and Nigeria is accordingly committed to the resolution we have just adopted as the next step towards ending sexual violence in conflict.

I would like to thank you, Madam President, for having organized this important debate. We appreciate the significance that the United States attaches to the issue at hand and commend your personal tireless efforts and engagement. Our appreciation also goes to Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon, Special Representative Wallström, Under-Secretary-General Le Roy and Military Adviser Gaye for their comprehensive briefings. At the outset, allow me to express our gratitude for the information provided by Special Representative Wallström relating to Bosnia and Herzegovina. We needed to hear those words. The only way to move forward is to face the truth and deal with it. And a great deal of institutional and individual effort has been committed and invested to that end in Bosnia. There are, however, a number of obstacles that are occasionally still encountered. The examples presented prove how difficult and delicate the issue under discussion today is, and how far post-conflict societies have to go to fully engage and deal with their pasts. However, I wish to ensure you of our firm commitment to do everything to reach justice. We will continue that longstanding struggle and prove that justice must be satisfied for the sake of both the past and the future. Bosnia and Herzegovina attaches the utmost importance to confronting the grave issue of sexual violence and is particularly encouraged by the commitment of the Security Council to keep the matter on its agenda. That commitment was unequivocally demonstrated by the adoption of resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1894 (2009), which have paved the way for concrete action aimed at preventing sexual violence. The appointment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence and the creation of UN Women were significant steps towards ensuring the coherence of United Nations activities. We also welcome cooperation between the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and the Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. In addition, we must use this opportunity to underscore the responsibilities of States and parties to conflict to observe and uphold their international obligations and respect international humanitarian law, which grants special protection to women and children. We are of the opinion that United Nations bodies and donors should extend more support to national Governments in building capacities and developing gender-sensitive programmes for survivors of sexual violence, with services ranging from access to justice to provision of psychological care. The role of non-governmental organizations is particularly relevant in this process. The United Nations and the international community have demonstrated their firm commitment and political will to prevent sexual violence against women, combat impunity and enforce accountability. On the other hand, it is equally crucial that national authorities make every effort to ensure that perpetrators of sexual crimes be brought to justice and not go unpunished. In that context, international assistance is of vital importance as post-conflict countries’ rebuild their justice systems and prosecute the perpetrators of sexual violence. We reiterate the need for adequate capabilities and clear and appropriate guidelines to enable peacekeeping missions to carry out their mandated tasks, including preventing and responding to sexual violence. Recruiting women in civil, military and police components of peacekeeping missions can encourage local women to report incidents of sexual violence. Deployment of a greater number of female police and military personnel with adequate training in gender-based violence is vital for better addressing issues related to sexual violence on the ground. It can also contribute to establishing better communication with local communities. Furthermore, we consider it crucial that the Security Council continue the practice of including, where applicable, designation criteria pertaining to acts of rape and other forms of sexual violence when adopting or renewing targeted sanctions pursuant to resolution 1888 (2009). We also strongly encourage the flow of information about sexual violence between United Nations peacekeeping missions or other United Nations missions or bodies and the corresponding Security Council sanctions committees. Bosnia and Herzegovina supports the establishment of arrangements for monitoring, analyzing and reporting sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. Such a mechanism is necessary for data collection so that the use of systematic sexual violence in conflict situations on the Council’s agenda can be tracked. In order to halt incidents of sexual violence, those who are credibly suspected of being responsible for patterns of rape and other forms of sexual violence should be listed in the annexes of the reports. Listing and de-listing of persons responsible for those horrendous acts must be performed according to verifiable data and clear benchmarks. We would also like to commend the delegation of the United States of America for their efforts in drafting resolution 1960 (2010), adopted today. We are convinced that this resolution will contribute towards more effective monitoring, reporting and analysis of data on sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. Finally, we would like to point out that the international community has taken noteworthy steps, including the adoption of relevant resolutions, to tackle the issue of sexual violence. But, more importantly, the time has come to start converting commitments and promises into real actions on the ground to prevent violence, protect individuals, punish perpetrators and provide redress to victims. Bosnia and Herzegovina stands ready to contribute to those efforts.

I would like to start by thanking the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report (S/2010/604) and briefing, which contain valuable recommendations for addressing challenges regarding women and peace and security. The report is indeed most useful for understanding the conflict- related sexual violence in many parts of the world and assessing the progress of the implementation of the resolutions on this topic. I would also like to thank Under-Secretary- General Le Roy, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Wallström and the Military Adviser, General Gaye, for their insightful briefings. I would like to express once again that we welcome the appointment of Ms. Wallström as the first Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict as a concrete step in the implementation of resolution 1888 (2009) and that we fully support her efforts. Last but not least, let me thank the United States delegation and you personally, Madame President, for your commitment to the cause of women around the globe and for your most commendable efforts in once again mobilizing the Council and enabling the adoption of another important resolution on this issue today. Today, with this follow-up resolution, 1960 (2010), we are sending yet another strong message to the world that sexual violence, especially against women and children and particularly in situations of armed conflict, is not acceptable and that such acts will not be tolerated. As shown in the report of the Secretary-General, sexual violence is not a by-product or a side issue; it is deeply interconnected with the root causes of conflict, is used widely as a tactic of war and, sadly, continues even after the conflict has ended. Thus the fight against sexual violence is not only a matter of human rights but is, and should be, at the heart of our efforts to stop and resolve conflicts. For that reason, we completely share the Secretary- General’s assessment that sexual violence should be a priority consideration not only for humanitarian actors but also for peacemakers, peacekeepers and peacebuilders. Despite some small progress achieved so far, we cannot fail to note that much remains to be done. Many structural and institutional impediments remain, which we should overcome in order to meet the challenges before us. Likewise, equally strong measures are needed to increase the participation of women in the work of peace, including post-conflict recovery efforts and peace processes, since that will help overcome the negative consequences of sexual violence, such as shame and stigma. We have to redouble our efforts in the fight against impunity, and targeted measures should be imposed against the perpetrators of sexual violence and rape. In that regard, the most significant added value of the resolution we have just adopted derives from its action-oriented nature. It not only condemns those who perpetrate acts of violence against women but also calls for action against them. In that vein, we believe that when it comes to tackling conflicts and promoting peace and security, resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1889 (2009) should all become a regular part of the work of this Council. We are also confident that the newly established UN Women will further strengthen our work by helping the United Nations pursue its efforts in a more systematic and coordinated manner in areas related to women and peace and security. I wish to conclude by underlining that Turkey is fully committed to exerting every effort to ensure the effective implementation of resolution 1960 (2010), as well as all the other resolutions on women and peace and security.

I thank you, Madame President, for organizing this important debate. I thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Margot Wallström, Under- Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Alain Le Roy and the Military Adviser, General Gaye, for their briefings. Uganda considers sexual violence as a serious health, human rights and development problem. There can be no peace, security or sustainable economic development in societies that deny human rights, including the human rights of women. We are concerned that, despite the existence of regional and international instruments on women’s human rights, sexual violence continues to be committed at an alarming rate, both in times of peace and during armed conflicts, thus undermining the right of women to fulfil their potential. Uganda abhors sexual violence and condemns it unreservedly. The use of sexual violence as a tactic of war has been documented in many parts of the world that have experienced armed conflict, including our region. Armed groups, such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda and the Lord’s Resistance Army, have terrorized the population, leaving mayhem, pain and death in their wake. Many formerly abducted women and girls still suffer from the devastating consequences of their period of sexual slavery, and a high number of them have given birth to children in captivity. That has impacted severely on the mental and physical health of survivors, in both the short and the long term. However, while the spotlight has focused on the situation in the African Great Lakes region, all forms of sexual violence have been and continue to be documented in situations of armed conflict the world over. Indeed, we agree with the Secretary-General, who has stated in his report that sexual violence is not specific to any era, culture or continent, but traverses all of history and geography. At the regional level, the Great Lakes region has taken important steps to address sexual violence. On 18 June 2008, just one day before the adoption of Security Council resolution 1820 (2008), member States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) committed themselves under what became known as the Goma Declaration to eradicate all forms of gender-based violence. The Pact on Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes Region has a specific protocol on the prevention and suppression of sexual violence against women and children and model legislation on the suppression of sexual violence against women and children. Those instruments complement other national, regional and global policy and legal frameworks to which Uganda is a party. They serve to emphasize that such sexual violence is not a new or unknown phenomenon that has been ignored, but that the region is determined to put an end to such cowardly acts. The ICGLR secretariat has, in recent times and in collaboration with the United Nations, undertaken activities to draw the attention of member countries to the seriousness of the problem and to come to agreement on commitments to end violence against women and children. We welcome and encourage that collaborative effort. The Government of Uganda is committed to the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), and 1889 (2009), as well as the Goma Declaration on Eradicating Sexual Violence and Ending Impunity in the Great Lakes Region (2008). Uganda welcomes the progress made in rendering operational the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law to assist national authorities to strengthen the rule of law in accordance with resolution 1888 (2009). We also welcome the inclusion of women in peacekeeping missions in civil, military and police functions. Ugandan women, and particularly those in military and police forces, are currently engaged in peacekeeping missions in the region and around the world. We are convinced that, wherever they are based, their presence has a positive influence and may encourage women from local communities to report all acts of sexual violence. Uganda also welcomes the idea of establishing monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements on conflict-related sexual violence, including rape in situations of armed conflict and post-conflict, and other situations relevant to the implementation of resolution 1888 (2009). We are confident that that will assist the Council’s consideration of appropriate actions, including targeted and graduated measures levelled at parties to armed conflict that are listed in the annexes to the Secretary-General’s annual reports on sexual violence in conflict. We thank the Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Margot Wallström, for her work. We encourage her to take advantage of the existing legal and policy frameworks, including those in our region, to strengthen support and partnerships to put an end to the vice of sexual violence. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate that there are no conditions that can either justify or excuse such actions that destroy the very essence of the human spirit of the victim and those closest to them. We should, therefore collectively remain resolute in dealing with sexual violence.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the adoption of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000). It is highly significant for the Council to hold this open debate on sexual violence in armed conflict. China condemns all acts of violence against women in armed conflict, including sexual violence. It urges parties to conflicts to comply with international humanitarian and human rights law. We call on the relevant national Governments to investigate crimes and bring to justice the perpetrators of crimes against women in armed conflict. We urge the States that have not yet done so to accede to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women as soon as possible. To protect women from sexual violence in armed conflict, there is much that the international community can do. In that connection, I wish to emphasize the following four points. First, the protection of women from sexual violence needs to be tackled at its source. Only when armed conflict is effectively prevented can there be real protection for women and their rights and interests. In that context, the international community should be committed to preventive diplomacy to settle disputes through dialogue, consultation and other peaceful means. Secondly, national Governments bear the primary responsibility for combating crimes of sexual violence. The international community should focus on providing affected countries with assistance, seek their understanding and cooperation, help strengthen their capacity-building, make progress in security sector reform and improve mechanisms in the areas of the rule of law, judicial assistance and compensation. Thirdly, in addressing issues relating to women and peace and security, there is a need for various United Nations bodies and agencies to operate with a synergetic division of labour, in accordance with their respective mandates. The Council needs to pay close attention to situations that pose threats to international peace and security and to make full use of existing mechanisms, such as the Special Representative of the Secretary- General and UN Women, to create synergy. Fourthly, China supports resolution 1960 (2010), which was just adopted. We hope that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Margot Wallström, will perform her responsibilities strictly in line with the mandate formulated by the Council to play a constructive role in addressing sexual violence in armed conflict.

I would like to express our appreciation to you, Madam President, for convening this debate on such an important issue. I also thank the Secretary-General for his remarks and for his comprehensive and candid report on sexual violence in armed conflict (S/2010/604). We are grateful to Special Representative Ms. Margot Wallström for her presentation and for her work. Our appreciation also goes to Under-Secretary- General Alain Le Roy and Military Adviser Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye for their statements. When the Council takes up issues such as sexual violence, the challenge is how to address in political, and even operational, terms an issue that is deeply moral in nature. In other words, the Council is called upon to help to translate our sorrow and outrage at such horrific violence into practical action capable of bringing about real change. To that end, we need an integrated approach that combines prevention, combating impunity and providing support to victims. Support to national awareness-raising activities and information campaigns that seek to break taboos and misperceptions around the issue are particularly important to preventive efforts. For example, as the Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/604) highlights, the myth that rape is an inevitable by-product of war is persistent and dangerously self-fulfilling. The stigma and silence that already hamper addressing sexual violence in peacetime can never be allowed to prevail, especially when such violence becomes a tactic of war. In situations where peacekeeping operations are deployed, the United Nations role in prevention becomes one of particular relevance, as the enhanced resources at its disposal create higher expectations among local populations and in international public opinion. In order to live up to such expectations, we must ensure that the prevention of sexual violence is truly made a mission-wide endeavour that involves not only troops and police but all mission components. Recent events have shown that contacts with local populations are critical to ensuring protection. The role of civil affairs and public information components is therefore key. They should have the necessary resources — especially guidance and trained personnel — to be able to help avoid outrageous violence such as that witnessed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are encouraged by the measures being taken by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to mainstream the prevention of sexual violence in peacekeeping missions. Impunity tends to fuel violence. Brazil appreciates and supports the work of Ms. Wallström’s Office to support national institutions in identifying and prosecuting perpetrators. We also believe that the Team of Experts established by resolution 1888 (2009) can play an important role in helping States to strengthen the rule of law in situations of particular concern. The role of the International Criminal Court becomes key when national jurisdictions are unable or unwilling to exercise their primary responsibility. The adoption of resolution 1960 (2010) today, which Brazil is pleased to have co-sponsored, sends a clear message that the Council is ready to continue to fight impunity by focusing on parties that engage in conflict-related sexual violence. It has strengthened the tools and arrangements available to the Council and to the United Nations as a whole. It is a significant and concrete step towards ensuring accountability, thus contributing to a decrease in the incidence of the problem. As we focus on bringing perpetrators to justice or to face opprobrium, we cannot shirk our duty to ensure proper support to victims. While this is fundamentally the responsibility of States, there are several ways by which the international community can support national efforts in that regard. Brazil recently contributed $1 million to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in support of programmes to fight sexual violence and facilitate victims’ access to justice and compensation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Dealing with sexual violence requires different parts of the United Nations system to act on many fronts. Today we have made progress in that direction and concluded, on a very high note, a remarkable effort that we began his year to provide an effective response by the Security Council to the scourge of sexual violence. There is certainly more to be done, but we now have the tools and a clear road map to make further progress in the future.

My delegation welcomes the holding of this meeting under your presidency Madam, devoted to sexual violence in armed conflict. We also welcome the participation in this debate of His Excellency Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, whom we thank for his introduction of his report (S/2010/604) on the follow-up to the implementation of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009). We reiterate to him Gabon’s full support in the fight he has carried out since 2008 as part of the UNiTE to End Violence against Women Campaign, along with the participation of all the partners involved in this cause. We also thank Ms. Margot Wallström, Mr. Alain Le Roy and Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye for their respective briefings. I would like here to reiterate to Ms. Wallström Gabon’s strong support in her work. Sexual violence against women and girls is simultaneously a war crime, a crime against humanity and a grave threat to peace and security. In spite of the enormous efforts made by the international community on the ground to bring it to an end — in implementation of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) — too many women and girls continue to be victims of rape, sexual slavery and every other sort of sexual violence. Basing myself on the report of the Secretary-General, I should like to refer to three aspects, namely, improving protection for vulnerable populations on the ground, especially women and girls; strengthening legal provisions to better combat impunity; and strengthening the means for preventing outbreaks of sexual violence during conflicts. With regard to improving protection for vulnerable populations, Gabon would like to underscore the importance of ensuring better protection for women and girls in the field. In that regard, we would like to highlight the enormous efforts made by peacekeeping missions, which too often operate in difficult situations and in places that severely challenge their efforts to ensure effective protection for those at risk. However, the incidents of widespread systematic rape in the Walikale region in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo illustrate both the limits of our ability and the scope of the challenge to overcome. This is a huge and complicated undertaking that demands that we bolster our monitoring and communications capabilities in order to provide better information about reality on the ground. In that regard, we support the Secretary-General’s recommendation underscoring the need for better analysis of information and reporting of sexual violence committed during armed conflict, with a view to better coordination in the field. We should also improve our rapid-deployment capacity in affected regions, as recommended in paragraph 26 of resolution 1888 (2009). However, our efforts will not produce the desired results without more sustained dialogue with all parties to a conflict. Among other things, such a dialogue come about by providing psychological support for victims and carrying out awareness-raising efforts among those involved. It is our belief that women themselves could play such roles. With regard to strengthening provisions to combat impunity, my delegation believes that it is essential to make that concern part of the system for comprehensive protection against sexual violence in armed conflict. In that regard, we should welcome the progress made in international criminal law in this area. The International Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda were the first to announce indictments for the use of rape as a weapon of war. Likewise the Tribunal for Sierra Leone has for the first time issued a guilty verdict for sexual slavery. In the same vein, we are convinced that the Secretary-General’ proposal to annex to his reports on this issue a list of the names of those who carry out sexual violence should serve as a effective instrument for deterrence. However, as we noted during the last debate on the protection of civilians (S/PV.6427), combating impunity is chiefly the responsibility of States. That is why my delegation highlights the need to help countries emerging from conflict to develop reliable judicial structures. The fight against sexual violence in armed conflicts requires prevention first and foremost. From that angle, the Member States, the United Nations, donors and civil society must resolutely take that approach. Raising awareness regarding the serious danger that sexual violence can create in society should guide their actions. Early warning mechanisms that can detect indicator signs in due time are also essential pillars for actions aimed at eradicating sexual violence in armed conflicts. It is equally vital in that exercise that a privileged place be given to women themselves. As we have seen from experience, their perceptions and commitment are undeniable and unparalleled. Not to take that fact into account would mean to deprive ourselves of an advantage in the fight against the discrimination and violence of which women and girls are the chief victims. That is particularly true in the context of the truth and reconciliation processes, which are a proven means to help battered societies and peoples recover from the agony of war and violence. Resolution 1960 (2010), adopted earlier today by the Security Council and which was co-sponsored by my country, takes into account the chief concerns that I have just mentioned and represents accordingly an important step for targeted, strengthened action on the part of the international community with respect to that matter.

We thank the United States presidency for organizing today’s meeting. We are grateful to the Secretary-General and Ms. Wallström, Mr. Le Roy and General Gaye for the important information that they have provided. Unfortunately, in spite of the existence of an entire arsenal of international instruments on human rights and international humanitarian law, civilian populations continue to be subjected to violence and to suffer in armed conflicts and in post-conflict situations. Sexual violence is, of course, a repulsive crime that requires decisive condemnation and severe punishment. We are thus especially alarmed at situations where this phenomenon is becoming widespread and systematic. It is becoming an instrument in armed conflict. Recent events in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have shown how acute the problem can be. We advocate a thorough investigation of all incidents and punishment of the guilty. Only in this way can we put an end to the reign of impunity that criminals enjoy, in the overwhelming majority of cases, and thereby eradicate that reprehensible practice. We are, however, of the view that combating sexual violence is one of the major components of all of the measures that can be used for settlement and post-conflict recovery. We are convinced that, in concentrating efforts on combating sexual violence, we must pay due attention to other abuses committed during conflict. Civilian populations — most of all, women and children — are still victims of other crimes as well, such as premeditated attacks, including terrorist acts, and indiscriminate or excessive use of force. Often, the criminals escape punishment here as well. As we see it, the diverse nature of violence during armed conflict requires appropriate attention to all its categories. The issues of women and peace and security must be based on a comprehensive approach, which is the approach that is enshrined in resolution 1325 (2000), which is the fundamental document for the protection of women and which ensures their rights in conflicts. Moreover, we believe that women should not be perceived only as victims. We must remember that an important precondition for overcoming violence against women is their full-fledged participation in peace talks and in post-conflict peacebuilding. We are grateful to the Secretary-General for his thematic report for today’s meeting (S/2010/604). A number of proposals in the document to strengthen our fight against sexual violence have been embodied in a practical manner in today’s resolution. We support the recommendation of giving the Secretary-General the right to make lists of parties suspected of sexual violence in conflict. Such an instrument, as we have seen in our Council experience with children’s issues, is a very effective way of having an impact on violators. With respect to agreements on monitoring, analysis and accountability regarding sexual violence in conditions of armed conflict, that mechanism is undoubtedly extremely important. The timelines, accuracy, objectivity and reliability of its information will determine the effectiveness and usefulness of Council decisions to rectify the situation. There are many different types of conflict around the globe. However, from the standpoint of the Council’s purposes under the Charter, the Council’s attention must be focused only on those conflicts which are a threat to peace and security. Consequently, the instruments adopted today, such as the practice of making lists of violators and agreements on monitoring, analysis and accountability, must also be used in that context. I would also like to emphasize that the efforts of the international community will be in vain without the consent and active participation of national Governments, which have the major responsibility for handling the entire range of issues to care for and protect their people. In conclusion, we would like to express our conviction that today’s resolution will play an important role in dealing with the problems of violence against women in armed conflicts.

At the outset, I would like to express my gratitude to you, Madame President, for representing the United States and for the strong initiatives you have continued to take to combat sexual violence in armed conflict — initiatives that have now produced another action-oriented resolution, one which Japan has gladly co-sponsored. I thank the Secretary-General, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations and United Nations Military Adviser for their insightful briefings. We are encouraged by the Secretary-General’s clear commitment and leadership in that area. We also commend Special Representative Wallström for her vigorous efforts to confront sexual violence, such as the four country visits she has made in the past eight months, including two to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. First of all, Japan supports the recent report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/604), including its recommendations to strengthen efforts to end impunity with regard to sexual violence as a tactic of war and terror. Among those recommendations, we strongly support the establishment of monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements and the listing of perpetrators in an annex to the Secretary-General’s annual reports, which are essential tools that the Security Council can use to take action, including targeted measures, against perpetrators. As most here know, a number of child soldiers have been released in the five years since the establishment of the monitoring and reporting mechanism on children and armed conflict under resolution 1612 (2005). Monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements to be established under today’s resolution should build on that good practice. We expect that the arrangements and the mechanism will work synergistically with each other and will strengthen the response of the entire United Nations system to the challenge of how to protect women and children from sexual violence in conflict. Secondly, a comprehensive approach is key, and it can be undertaken when the actors involved are proactive and engage in greater cooperation with each other. Under international law and the resolutions of the Security Council, it is the responsibility of the Government and army of a country in conflict to protect their people. To that end, the rule of law should be established by promoting security sector reform and enhancing the capacity of the judicial system and law enforcement. Japan therefore welcomes the preparations being made by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Wallström to rapidly deploy a team of experts to assist national authorities in strengthening the rule of law. It is critical to protect women from all forms of violence and to empower them within their society. For this reason, Japan has decided to make a contribution of $4.5 million to UN Women for its project in Afghanistan. It is also vital to strengthen the comprehensive response that is the responsibility of United Nations peacekeeping missions. We expect more women’s protection advisors to be designated in the missions. And we welcome the Secretary-General’s efforts to provide peacekeepers with clearer guidance, in line with good practice, regarding the response to sexual violence. In general, the Security Council needs to further strengthen the comprehensive response of peacekeeping missions through its country-specific resolutions. Thirdly, sexual violence is never a by-product of conflict and it can be prevented. As the Secretary- General’s report underlines, we need to focus not only on collecting timely and reliable information, but also on analysis of trends and patterns of sexual violence. Engaging all stakeholders — including national institutions, humanitarian actors and civil society — in the process of such analysis would contribute to the prevention of sexual violence. One of the lessons learned from the mass rape in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in July and August this year is the need for communication between United Nations missions and the local community. I would like to stress that such communication could also provide early warning of imminent problems. The set of indicators for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) will likewise be an important tool for providing early warning of sexual violence, and we hope that they will be operational at the earliest possible date. We also look forward to seeing an early warning matrix of risk factors developed by Special Representative Wallström. Finally, in the two years that Japan has served its present term as a non-permanent member, the Security Council has adopted more resolutions and presidential statements on issues relating to women and children in conflict than it had in the past. We welcome this trend as a clear sign of the commitment of the Council to addressing these issues. There are, however, many challenges that must be faced in translating this commitment into tangible results on the ground. For its part, Japan will continue to contribute to efforts to promote progress on the issue of women and peace and security from the perspective of human security.

Let me first of all thank you, Madame, and your delegation for your outstanding work, which led to the adoption by consensus of resolution 1960 (2010) before us today. The resolution brings significant added value to the fight against sexual violence in armed conflict. We greatly appreciate the Secretary-General’s unwavering commitment to this cause. I would like to say a special word of welcome and thanks to Special Representative of the Secretary- General Wallström and her team for their extremely significant contribution to the implementation of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009). Let me also express our great appreciation to the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, and in particular the Under- Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations and the Military Advisor, for their efforts to strengthen protection and response in the field. My delegation aligns itself with the statement to be made later on by the representative of the European Union and by the representative of Costa Rica on behalf of the Human Security Network. The past two years have seen progress in the fight against sexual violence, in particular through the appointment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. At the same time, the levels of sexual violence in many conflicts around the world remain alarmingly high. Women and children continue to fall victim to sexual violence used as a deliberate means of warfare on a daily basis. Some groups with specific vulnerabilities, such as persons with disabilities, have not yet received the necessary attention. The extremely negative effect of sexual violence on peace processes, reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction clearly makes that crime a security threat. Sexual violence is not a mere by-product of war; it is more often than not a deliberate tactic of warfare. The Council, alongside affected States, has a clear responsibility to use all tools at its disposal to put an end to this scourge. Listing parties that are credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of rape and other forms of sexual violence; establishing monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements; and monitoring the implementation of commitments by parties to armed conflict would significantly enhance a systematic consideration by the Council, and thus the Council’s capacities to act. Let me add that my delegation will continue to support the idea of establishing a Council working group in order to be able to afford a similar level of attention and response to the issue of sexual violence as is currently and rightly granted to children in armed conflict. This is a matter of credibility for the Security Council. We hope that the information generated through the new system will help the Council when it considers its reactions to widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. From our point of view, possible reactions include the imposition of targeted measures, the establishment of commissions of inquiry and referrals to the International Criminal Court. We welcome the recent arrests and extraditions of persons responsible for sexual violence and would like to encourage all countries concerned to take the necessary steps to bring them to justice. Furthermore, sanctions regimes need to include designation criteria pertaining to acts of rape and other forms of sexual violence, and sanctions committees need to receive relevant information to this end, including through exchanges with other subsidiary bodies of the Security Council and peacekeeping operations. We encourage the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict to build on emerging practice, brief sanctions committees and share relevant information on individuals committing sexual violence. No perpetrator of sexual violence should go unpunished. Equally transitional justice mechanisms need to document sexual violence in a comprehensive way and provide assistance and redress to the victims. We welcome the appointment of the leader of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and encourage Member States affected by armed conflict to seek the support of the Team. We are concerned by the high numbers of governmental security forces directly involved in sexual violence. The conditionality policy of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is an important step in the right direction and should be extended to all United Nations peacekeeping missions. In light of the incorporation of former militia members into the national police and security structures, the establishment of vetting procedures is a crucial element of any integration process. United Nations peacekeeping missions must also strengthen their prevention and protection capacities. We welcome efforts under way to develop scenario- based training materials, such as curricula based on the publication entitled “Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence: An Analytical Inventory of Peacekeeping Practice”. Also, the recruitment of more community liaison officers, including women, will significantly strengthen the ability of missions to interact with the local population and ensure that the voices of local women are better heard. We would like to encourage the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to continue its efforts in this regard. The Council should exert its influence to ensure that peace agreements refer to sexual violence, and we commend the efforts of the Secretary-General to address the underrepresentation of women in peace processes and negotiations and to enhance women’s participation in all peacebuilding efforts. Madame President, please rest assured that my delegation will remain closely engaged in issues of protection of civilians, among them in particular the protection from and prevention of sexual violence, after our membership in this body ends. We are looking forward to continuing our work with interested delegations and the United Nations system.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United States. Let me begin by thanking the Secretary-General, Special Representative Wallström, Under-Secretary- General Le Roy and Lieutenant General Gaye for their very powerful and insightful briefings. I also want to thank my colleagues on the Council for their very strong statements of support for resolution 1960 (2010), just adopted, as well as for the broad goals of fighting sexual violence and the rape of women around the world. We are gathered because we all agree on the importance of addressing an issue that cries out for the world’s conscience, and that is sexual violence in conflict. We agree that the challenge is urgent and immense. The human cost is all too real. Armed conflicts continue to have a devastating impact, particularly on women and girls. Rape, sexual assault and gender-based violence are all too often used deliberately and cynically as weapons of war, and the fight to end sexual violence has yet to be universally recognized as central to securing international peace and security. Some still think that sexual violence is somehow a natural accompaniment of conflict. It is not. As the Secretary-General’s report notes, “The myth that rape is an inevitable by- product of war is persistent and dangerously self- fulfilling” (S/2010/604, para. 7). I hope that this meeting, in some small way, will help put an end to that myth and channel our shared commitment to confronting and combating sexual violence into concrete actions that improve the fate of women and girls. The United States commends the United Nations, especially United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict, for its leadership in finding effective ways to address this problem. We have been encouraged by the United Nations response and follow- up to the appalling August attacks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the additional steps it has taken to build mission-wide strategies to better protect civilians. The United Nations has increased random patrols, recruited more female peacekeepers and improved communications. It is also employing scenario-based training for peacekeepers to help combat sexual violence. But obviously, more must still be done. We hope that the United Nations will continue to identify women’s protection advisers and put them in more peacekeeping operations, and complete a gaps analysis of United Nations protection strategies. In her brief tenure so far, Special Representative Wallström has brought leadership, passion and clarity to efforts to end impunity for the heinous crimes of sexual violence in conflict zones. She is playing a vital role in the United Nations efforts to support the response of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the horrifying mass rapes in Walikale, which has included the arrest of one of the perpetrators. The United States fully supports Special Representative Wallström in her work, and we encourage our fellow Member States to consider additional voluntary contributions to support her mandate. We particularly hope that the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law will become a valuable tool in helping Member States develop appropriate judicial responses to sexual violence in conflict. Data collection is also vital for non-humanitarian activities to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. The resolution we adopted today will improve the collection and analysis of information required to better understand the patterns of sexual violence in armed conflict. Of course, better information by itself will not halt sexual violence, but it will inform our decisions as a Council and as Member States, and bring us one step closer to our ultimate goal. We must also shine the international spotlight on the perpetrators and use this mechanism to inform targeted actions by the Council and by Member States. With improved information, the United Nations will be able to assist States in responding more robustly to these crimes. As in the Democratic Republic of the Congo after the Walikale rapes, we expect our actions to spur commanding officers to turn those who commit sexual violence over to the authorities to be brought to justice. Finally, we cannot separate the challenge of sexual violence from the broader security issues facing the Council. Resolution 1960 (2010), its predecessors and our follow-up actions must send a clear message. We do not just condemn sexual violence and rape as weapons of war, but we are taking concrete steps to end it. We are working to make clear that rape and sexual violence are unacceptable and that perpetrators will face consequences. Our shared responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security includes a profound responsibility to safeguard the lives and the security of women and girls, who make up at least half of humankind. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. I give the floor to the representative of Armenia.

Allow me to first express my thanks to you, Madame President, for convening this debate on a topic that, as the Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women, I am particularly glad to see addressed. All the United Nations world conferences on women have recognized the interlinkage between gender equality, development and peace. In 1995, at the Fourth World Conference on Women, Member States devoted a section of the Beijing Platform for Action to women and armed conflict, noting that women and girls were particularly affected by armed conflict because of their status in society and their sex. Member States also highlighted particular forms of violence against women in situations of armed conflict. Fifteen years later, it is heartening to observe how much this issue has gained in visibility and traction. It is now taken up in various intergovernmental bodies, including the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Peacebuilding Commission. Member States at the national level and civil society organizations are demonstrating their commitment to tackling this challenge through concrete action. I welcome the presence and contribution of Ms. Margot Wallström, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and her focus on addressing sexual violence in the context of the Secretary-General’s campaign “Unite to End Violence against Women”. The Commission on the Status of Women, too, has contributed to advancing global policy on women, peace and security. At its forty-eighth session in 2004, the Commission considered women’s equal participation in conflict prevention, management and resolution and in post-conflict peacebuilding. In its agreed conclusions, the Commission recognized that women and girls were often subject to particular forms of violence and deprivation in armed conflict, and called for measures to prevent gender-based violence arising from armed conflict and in post-conflict situations, including sexual violence against women and girls. The agreed conclusions also urged Governments to prosecute the perpetrators of such crimes. In 2008, the Commission evaluated progress in the implementation of the 2004 agreed conclusions through an interactive dialogue. Many participants reported on initiatives to address sexual violence in armed conflict and to increase the participation of women in peacekeeping and security forces. They also highlighted the need to strengthen efforts at the national and international levels to address sexual violence in armed conflict as a threat to peace and security. This year, the Commission also considered the question of violence against women as part of its follow-up to the Beijing Platform for Action, and held an interactive dialogue on the subject. Expert panellists, member States, United Nations system entities and non-governmental organizations were able to share their experiences and the results achieved. Despite the measures that have been taken to prevent and address violence against women, reports by the participants made it clear that it persists. Efforts to address violence against women are often not comprehensive, consistent or sustained, and there continues to be insufficient coordination among relevant sectors. Knowledge regarding the scope, prevalence, impact and cost of violence against women remains inadequate, and capacities for collecting such data are insufficient. Greater efforts are necessary to collect more and better-quality information and data on violence against women to support policymakers in undertaking effective legislative and policy reforms, ensure the adequate provision of targeted and effective services, monitor trends and progress in addressing and eliminating violence against women, and assess the impact of measures taken. In this context, the Council’s effort to set up a mechanism for monitoring and reporting sexual violence against women may prove to be very useful, not only to the Council’s work but also to other organizations working on issues pertaining to sexual violence against women and gender issues in general. Such a plan should incorporate measurable goals and timetables, monitoring and accountability measures and provisions for impact assessments. The Commission on the Status of Women plays a central role in monitoring the implementation of the Platform for Action, including with respect to women in armed conflict. I recognize and welcome the key role and critical efforts of the Security Council in preventing sexual violence and combating impunity in conflict and post-conflict situations. I encourages continuing action by the Council, including the development of effective measures to put an end to sexual violence in armed conflict.

I give the floor to the representative of Germany.

Germany aligns itself with the statement that will be delivered by the representative of the European Union. Germany would like to thank the United States of America, in its capacity as presidency of the Security Council, for giving this important issue such a prominent role on this month’s Council agenda. The appointment of Ms. Wallström in February this year was an important signal that increased and focused action would be undertaken in the fight against the scourge of sexual violence in conflict. No one can deny that sexual violence in armed conflict is an abhorrent crime that in some conflict areas is systematically used to destabilize whole societies, and thus constitutes a serious security problem requiring a systematic response, including by the Security Council. With the adoption of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009), the Council gave this issue the comprehensive and global attention it deserves. We therefore strongly welcome the Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/604) and its recommendations, which are reflected in the new resolution 1960 (2010) adopted by the Security Council today. It is a good resolution. We commend all Security Council members for agreeing on this important document in such a short period of time. This underlines the urgency of the problem and shows that the Council is sincerely committed to tackling this issue. As exact data is indispensable to taking timely and concrete action to prevent and react to sexual violence, Germany fully supports the creation of a new mechanism that may help to collect relevant data. This mechanism should work similarly to and in close cooperation with the one already existing on children and armed conflict, and also take into account the indicators endorsed by the Security Council in October during its open debate (see S/PV.6411) on resolution 1325 (2000). Collecting data is not enough, but it is a much- needed first step in the fight against impunity. Perpetrators have to be brought to justice. Bearing in mind the main responsibility of States to investigate and prosecute those abominable crimes, international cooperation and the continued leadership of the Security Council are also of utmost importance. We therefore support the Secretary General’s proposal to set up a listing and de-listing mechanism, such as that for sexual violence against children. Moreover, the Council must make full use of all existing instruments at its disposal, such as relevant sanctions committees, to address sexual violence, including by referring relevant cases to the International Criminal Court. Moreover, we must strive to find better ways of guaranteeing the safety and physical integrity of women and children during armed conflict. This includes early warning mechanisms, as well as more awareness-raising campaigns and pertinent training, including the training of peacekeepers. Germany supports several training programmes and awareness- raising campaigns on sexual violence, in close cooperation with United Nations entities. Finally, victims of sexual violence and abuse need help to treat the physical and mental scars left on them and their families and to enable them once again to actively participate in communal life. States must therefore provide adequate protection services and find prompt and non-bureaucratic ways to support victims, where appropriate with the help of the United Nations system. Germany commends the United Nations organizations on their valuable work in this field, including the important activities of the Trust Fund in Support of Actions to Eliminate Violence against Women, which Germany has actively supported in the past. Allow me to conclude by stressing that we can make progress only if all relevant entities within the United Nations system, including the newly-created UN Women, work together closely, while also actively involving civil society stakeholders.

I give the floor to the representative of Liechtenstein.

We thank the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, and would like to encourage her to continue her visits to countries that experience conflict-related sexual violence and to brief the Council on those visits in open meetings. Liechtenstein co-sponsored resolution 1960 (2010) because it contains numerous valuable elements that enable the Council to address the alarming increase in sexual violence around the world. We agree with the analysis of the Secretary-General in his report (S/2010/604) that gender constructs are a critical but insufficient tool to understand the full complexity of sexual violence. We therefore welcome the approach detailed in the report to widen the analytical lens and to define sexual violence in accordance with the definitions used in international law, in particular the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Earlier resolutions and resolution 1960 (2010) emphasize the primary responsibility of all States to put an end to impunity and to prosecute those responsible for crimes, including acts of sexual violence. Nevertheless, national justice systems often lack the willingness or the capacity necessary for effective prosecutions. We thus welcome the progress made with regard to the establishment of a Team of Experts that can be deployed rapidly to assist national justice systems. This is consistent with the principle of complementarity, which stipulates that international criminal justice mechanisms are activated only when States are unable or unwilling to prosecute at the national level. As a particularly positive element, we welcome the inclusion in future reports of the Secretary-General of information on parties that are credibly suspected of being responsible for acts of sexual violence. This should provide a basis for the Council to formulate more focused responses, including, where necessary, the application of targeted measures and the consideration of accountability mechanisms. Liechtenstein also supports the establishment of monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements on conflict-related sexual violence as another essential element of resolution 1960 (2010). The Council requires timely, accurate and reliable information in order to respond effectively to conflict-related sexual violence. These are important achievements and we congratulate you, Madame President, on having forged a consensus on this text. At the same time, we also wish to place on record that we consider the resolution to be a missed opportunity. The Special Representative stated in her remarks that she has made the fight against impunity her priority since she took office. And indeed, this was corroborated by the substance of her briefing. The Council, however, chose not to reflect that in the text adopted today. In fact, the operative part of resolution 1960 (2010) does not include any statement on the Council’s commitment to end impunity, let alone on any concrete measures to that end. The resolution is also silent on the importance of the work carried out by the ad hoc tribunals established by the Council itself and by the International Criminal Court, to which the Council itself has referred a situation where sexual violence is prevalent. This seems particularly ironic at a time when the mass rapes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have gained sad notoriety in any discussion on sexual violence in armed conflict, and when much of the recent work of the International Criminal Court has been dedicated to that situation, most prominently through the arrest of the militia leader Callixte Mbarushimana earlier this year. I also wish to recall that this was a situation referred to the Court by the country affected itself. We thank the Secretary-General and the Special Representative for their clear reference to the importance of the work of the International Criminal Court with respect to combating sexual violence. We hope that, in future deliberations, the Council will be able to acknowledge the most concrete international efforts to fight impunity for sexual violence, and thus to be less disconnected from reality than the resolution makes it appear in this respect.

I now give the floor to the representative of Australia.

Like others who have spoken before me, Australia remains committed to ending the scourge of conflict-related sexual violence. Besides the outrageous breach of women’s rights that rape and other forms of sexual violence entail, its impact on families and communities is particularly devastating and has consequent long- lasting negative effects on peace processes. We welcome Ms. Wallström’s appointment and the efforts she has made since taking office to plug some of the operational gaps in this agenda, as well as her broader advocacy efforts. We support the Secretary-General’s impressive recommendations on specific steps that need to be taken to address the remaining challenges in this field. The proposal for the United Nations system to set up a mechanism, on which agreement has now been achieved, to better monitor, report and analyse data on sexual violence and to ensure that information flows effectively to the Security Council is particularly important. We urge the Council’s sanctions committees to give due regard to relevant information they receive through this mechanism. We recently witnessed the first listing of an individual by the Council’s Democratic Republic of the Congo Sanctions Committee on children-and-armed-conflict grounds. Similar listings of individuals on sexual-violence grounds would be an important deterrent to others. Of course, information flowing to the Council should be reliable. The Council’s endorsement in October of the comprehensive set of indicators was a significant achievement in that regard. We look forward to the United Nations system putting those indicators into action to collect data on sexual violence, as well as to inform policy and programmatic responses. Early warning signs of conflict-related sexual violence are often received. But as the mass rapes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in July and August sadly demonstrated, our coordinated and comprehensive analysis of those signs must be strengthened in order to improve the prospects for preventing attacks on civilians. Sexual violence is not unique in that regard. We encourage all relevant parts of the United Nations system to collaborate in identifying a comprehensive matrix of early warning signs and recommended responses. As we know, the Special Advisers on the prevention of genocide and on the responsibility to protect are also undertaking relevant and important work in this field. A coordinated and comprehensive approach to early warning will enhance the response capacity of peacekeepers on the ground. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/604) was particularly valuable because it identified practical, pragmatic ways in which this issue can be tackled. Australia is a firm supporter of tangible, practical solutions. There remains a gap between our collective expectations on what United Nations peacekeeping should be able to do and the actual capacity of peacekeepers on the ground. Operational guidance, training and resources must be provided to mission leadership and peacekeepers so that they are prepared to take action in response to threats against civilians during conflict, including sexual violence. We were very pleased to support the joint analytical inventory developed by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the United Nations Development Fund for Women under the auspices of the inter-agency network United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict. This is a key tool for the Organization to use in improving its ability to protect civilians from conflict-related sexual violence as part of peacekeeping operations. We are supporting our United Nations partners in fully operationalizing this tool, including by incorporating it into predeployment training for peacekeepers. That is the scenario-based training referred to in the Secretary- General’s report. We are also supporting the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in implementing a strategy to combat sexual violence in communities of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in North and South Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. UNHCR’s strategy of creating a common framework and actions for all those involved in combating sexual violence in that country could be applied in other situations involving IDPs. Much more needs to be done to address this vital issue, as we have heard this evening. We look forward to further reporting and briefing on how the United Nations system has gone about translating into action the list of proposals in the Secretary-General’s report. Annual reporting is needed. Next year a report could, for example, document action and achievements in addressing conflict-related sexual violence, including the development of terms of reference for the new women’s protection advisers and any actions they undertake. Real and effective action to address sexual violence in conflict-related situations requires ongoing dedication to action. We look forward to the Council in particular taking forward that action on behalf not just of the United Nations or States Members, but the entire international community.

I now give the floor to the representative of Italy.

I wish to congratulate you, Madame President, on organizing this open debate of the Security Council, as well as to commend your commitment to an issue of the utmost importance to the international community. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General, Special Representative Margot Wallström, Under-Secretary-General Alain Le Roy and Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye, the Military Adviser, for their briefings, which have given us a clear picture of the serious challenges involved in protecting women from the scourge of sexual violence in conflict. While Italy aligns itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union later on, I wish to make some remarks in my national capacity. Let me start by expressing our deep appreciation for resolution 1960 (2010), which has been adopted today and which Italy was proud to have co-sponsored. By requesting the establishment of monitoring and reporting arrangements for conflict-related sexual violence, the Security Council has taken an important step forward. Timely and accurate information will enhance the Council’s ability to track and deter this heinous crime. It will still be up to the Council to take the necessary measures to translate these elements into concrete action; which brings me to an issue that is often invoked in cases of human rights violations, namely, the impunity of perpetrators. We must reverse the social dynamics that allow sexual violence to perpetuate itself, moving from stigmatizing the victims to criminalizing the authors. That goal can be achieved by various means: adopting sanctions or targeted measures, referring matters to the International Criminal Court when necessary and naming and shaming perpetrators at every opportunity. We therefore welcome the Council’s decision to encourage the Secretary-General to list in his reports the parties who have engaged in patterns of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. That decision is a step in the right direction. Conflict-related sexual violence is a threat to security and an impediment to peacebuilding in many parts of the world, not only in the crisis areas on the Council’s agenda. In today’s conflicts, sexual violence is not just collateral damage but an actual front-line strategy. There are two areas that we deem particularly important. The first is the need to address sexual violence in peace and mediation processes. If women do not have a say in peace processes and sexual violence is not addressed in the agreements aimed at ending a conflict, gender-based discrimination and violence will remain embedded in society. The second is the importance of giving systematic consideration to sexual violence in authorizations and renewals of peacekeeping and special political missions. Moreover, when missions are mandated, technical assessments of country situations should include gender expertise. In 2008, Italy, in its capacity as a member of the Security Council, was one of the strongest advocates of resolution 1820 (2008), on sexual violence in conflict. We also supported the appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General. At the national level, we are finalizing a plan of action to implement resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security. The draft plan includes the protection of women and girls from sexual violence. The specific focus is on the assistance, recovery and psycho-physical rehabilitation of victims, as well as on special training for our staff deployed in peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions. In conclusion, Italy remains fully committed to implementing the resolutions of the Security Council in the area of women and peace and security, including the important resolution adopted today.

The Netherlands aligns itself with the statement that will be made later by the representative of the delegation of the European Union. The Netherlands would like to congratulate the Secretary-General on his excellent report (S/2010/604) and on its recommendations. We also wholeheartedly co-sponsored resolution 1960 (2010), which was introduced by the United States in its capacity as the current President of the Security Council. We agree with the emphasis on applying listing and de-listing criteria with regard to parties to armed conflict. The resolution provides concrete measures to define, implement and monitor specific and time-bound commitments — indispensable commitments, I would like to add. The Netherlands is committed to strengthening the protection against and the prevention of conflict- related sexual violations and violence. We provide financial support to scenario-based training on sexual violence for United Nations peacekeepers, which is referred to both in the Secretary-General’s report and in the new resolution. We believe that operational readiness with regard to sexual violence can increase effectiveness in the overall protection of civilians. In addition, the Netherlands supports a training initiative on the protection of human rights and the prevention of sexual violence with the Congolese Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo. That innovative project makes use of footage from the award-winning documentary Weapon of War, about the perpetrators of sexual violence. In the context of the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) and of the third year of the Dutch national action plan, the Dutch Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence jointly produced a publication entitled The Dutch Do’s on Women, Peace and Security — Diplomacy, Defence and Development in Partnership. The publication describes the implementation of the Dutch integrated approach towards women, peace and security at the country level — for instance, by supporting the political participation of women in Afghanistan and by integrating gender training with security-sector development in Burundi and sexual violence issues in the Dutch support to the Congolese security sector. Finally, we are pleased to announce bilateral collaboration between the Netherlands and Spain in the development of more civilian and military gender capacity so as to increase operational readiness. We have a responsibility to arrive well prepared at our respective missions, be they peacekeeping, military or civilian. That commitment resulted from a recent Spanish-Dutch seminar with troop-contributing countries on the subject of gender in peacekeeping and peacebuilding. One conclusion of the seminar was that sustainable peace and reconstruction could only be achieved by involving local communities and by supporting active roles for women. That has implications for the way that United Nations and other missions are planned, but also for their composition. The Netherlands is committed to supporting such a development through practical contributions, such as training.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Republic of Korea.

At the outset, allow me to thank you, Madame President, for convening an open debate on this important issue. My appreciation also goes to Ms. Margot Wallström, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, for her comprehensive and informative presentation of the Secretary-General’s report on this issue (S/2010/604). As the Secretary-General’s report states, over the past year, there has been much progress at the policy level on the implementation of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009). In particular, we would like to commend the measures that it outlines to improve the collection of information on sexual violence that would lead to better monitoring, deeper analysis and more systematic reporting. Despite that progress, the impact of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) has yet to be fully realized on the ground. Women and children continue to suffer disproportionately in areas of armed conflict. The use of sexual violence and brutality as weapons of war still prevails. The horrifying mass rapes that occurred in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in August were a stark reminder of how much remains to be done. We must redouble our efforts to combat sexual violence in conflict. In that regard, the Republic of Korea supports the strong leadership of the Security Council and welcomes the package of measures that the Secretary-General suggests to accelerate the full implementation of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009). Among others, my delegation would like to highlight the following three points. First, it is essential to grasp the reality of sexual violence committed in armed conflict through reliable, timely and objective information, as well as to ensure that, in turn, perpetrators are identified and brought to justice. In that respect, we strongly support the Secretary-General’s call for the Security Council to mandate that the Secretary-General’s annual reports list those parties that have engaged in patterns of sexual violence in armed conflict. We believe that this measure would contribute to halting impunity by providing a basis for more focused approaches and targeted measures towards those parties. Secondly, preventing and responding to sexual violence require a more coherent and coordinated approach within the United Nations system. For example, a more integrated strategic framework between peacekeeping missions and United Nations country teams should be established to formulate mission objectives targeted at women and peace and security, as well as to evaluate their implementation. We hope that UN Women, which will come into operation in January 2011, will play a leading role in coordinating various activities related to the work on women and peace and security among United Nations entities. Thirdly, we need to increase the participation of women in peace processes and to strengthen their capacity. The full participation of women, particularly local women, in such efforts is essential to creating inclusive and sustainable peace. Research conducted by the United Nations Development Fund for Women demonstrates that, since 1992, women have, on average, made up less than 8 per cent of the participants in official delegations to peace processes. Where women have participated in peace negotiations, the resulting peace agreements are more likely to reflect women’s experiences of conflict and to contain elements of judicial, economic, social and political remedies for the abuses that they have suffered. On its part, the Republic of Korea has been active in implementing resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) by mainstreaming a gender-sensitive approach in all its policies and activities and by increasing women’s participation at all levels. In that regard, we recently deployed a gender adviser as a member of an Afghanistan provincial reconstruction team. We will remain committed to the complete and successful implementation of the resolutions. Finally, I would like to conclude by expressing my sincere hope that today’s open debate will guide us further by resulting in a clearer direction and concrete measures that will advance our noble endeavours for women and peace and security.

I now give the floor to the representative of Canada.

I wish to thank the United States for convening this open debate on conflict- related sexual violence and to say that Canada was very happy to co-sponsor resolution 1960 (2010), which was adopted today. Canada strongly supports the Security Council’s recognition of the need to take effective measures to address conflict-related sexual violence and welcomes the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/604) pursuant to resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009), including their recommendations. The systemic acts of sexual violence recently perpetrated in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo starkly demonstrate the urgent need for serious action. Canada welcomes today’s presentation by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Wallström, and strongly supports her efforts to provide strategic leadership and strengthen United Nations coordination mechanisms in order to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence. Addressing sexual violence demands a double focus: ensuring women’s empowerment and participation, while also focusing on matters of accountability and justice. In this sense, preventing, addressing and eliminating sexual violence requires cultural, societal and institutional changes. Canada calls on Member States and the United Nations system to ensure that Ms. Wallström’s Office is adequately resourced and capable of timely action to support such changes. We also suggest to the Council that it request regular briefings by the Special Representative following her visits to countries on its agenda. Canada’s long-standing support for the rights and well-being of women and girls in situations of conflict is reflected through our continuing active implementation of Council resolutions, including through strong advocacy work, significant international programming addressing sexual violence, support for civil society and efforts to strengthen international criminal justice mechanisms. Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, adopted in October, will help us to focus and coordinate implementation of our commitments and increase the effectiveness of Canada’s response. Canada welcomes the jurisprudence of international courts and tribunals confirming that rape and sexual violence can be war crimes and crimes against humanity. Individuals responsible for these crimes must be brought to justice; that includes those responsible by virtue of command responsibility. Canada calls on Member States to ensure that these crimes are investigated and that those responsible for committing serious crimes are held to account. In addition, as recognized in resolution 1820 (2008), we also strongly support the exclusion of crimes of sexual violence from amnesty provisions in the context of peace processes. Furthermore, Canada calls on all parties to conflict to make specific commitments to ceasing all acts of sexual violence, and urges the Council to support the efforts of United Nations officials to engage in dialogue with parties to elicit commitments to that effect. Canada also calls on the Council to increase pressure on States to hold perpetrators of sexual violence to account through adoption of sanctions and other targeted measures against individuals and entities that have perpetrated sexual violence. This must, of course, be done in accordance with standards of due process. We also support the Secretary-General’s recommendation to make public in his annual reports the names of parties who engage in patterns of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. Systematic data collection on grave violations of women’s and girls’ human rights, including on sexual violence, is of the utmost importance in effective monitoring and response. In order to tailor the international response to specific contexts, it is also important that all relevant country reports to the Security Council include information on the situation that pertains to all aspects of the resolutions on women, peace and security, in addition to information on sexual violence. United Nations reporting on the movement and activities of armed groups, for example, should systematically include information on the threat of sexual violence. With this in mind, Canada supports the recommendation to establish monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements on conflict-related sexual violence. (spoke in French) The prevention of and response to sexual violence should also be included in the mandates of all United Nations peacekeeping missions. To that end, the Council must design and implement mandates to support peace efforts that better respond to all forms of violence against civilians, and ensure that strategies for combating sexual violence in conflict are integrated into the work of United Nations country teams. Local organizations devoted to protecting women often assess the ongoing threat of sexual violence in their communities. For those reasons, networks among United Nations peacekeepers, local and international non-governmental organizations and women’s networks must be strengthened to facilitate the establishment of early warning mechanisms on conflict-related sexual violence. Consequently, we welcomed the efforts made by the United Nations this year, through the Open Days on Women, Peace and Security, to engage in dialogue with local communities and women’s groups. We noted at the time that the most frequent protection concern raised by participants was the level of sexual violence during and after conflict and the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of those crimes. We call on the United Nations to pursue dialogue with local communities and women’s groups so that the international community can respond effectively to these issues. To conclude, we are encouraged by the additional measures proposed in the Secretary-General’s report. Canada calls on the Security Council to take action today to respond to the report’s recommendations so that the international community can undertake active and coordinated efforts to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence.

I now give the floor to the representative of Luxembourg.

Luxembourg congratulates the United States presidency of the Council on organizing this open debate, which gives us an opportunity to review the implementation of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) and the challenges still to be addressed in order to fight effectively against sexual violence in conflict situations. We welcome the Council’s adoption of resolution 1960 (2010), which we had the honour of co-sponsoring, as we did for resolution 1888 (2009) a year ago also under your presidency, Madame. We hope that the Council will proceed with determination to ensure the use of these new mechanisms and implementation of the new resolution. Luxembourg fully aligns itself with the statement to be made by the representative of the European Union. In his report (S/2010/604), the Secretary-General provides a relevant analysis of sexual violence committed in the course of conflicts. We welcome the follow-up that the Council has devoted to the report, in particular to the Secretary-General’s recommendation to create a monitoring, analysis and reporting system that will allow the Council and the United Nations system as a whole to receive timely, objective, accurate and reliable information on which to base their interventions. This system will also help to improve efforts in the field of prevention, since trends and early warning indicators will be better known. As the Secretary-General notes in his report, impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence remains the norm in the vast majority of countries where it occurs. This impunity risks undermining public confidence in the nascent justice and security sectors and eroding the whole process of peacebuilding. It is therefore essential for the Security Council to step up pressure on the perpetrators of sexual violence. We welcome the Council’s intention to consider sexual violence as a criterion for applying sanctions against individuals. The recommendations made in that regard by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict will be most important. We warmly welcome the fact that the Council also encourages the Secretary-General to list in an annex to his annual reports the parties that have systematically engaged in acts of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict on the Council agenda. However, we would have preferred that the Secretary- General could also have been invited to provide information on perpetrators of sexual violence in other conflicts and situations, which should not escape the attention of the international community. We must all redouble our efforts to contribute to better protection of women in conflict and post-conflict situations. Let me dwell for a moment on some initiatives that my Government has decided to support since our debate on women and peace and security in October (6411th meeting). The mass rapes in Walikale in the Democratic Republic of the Congo this summer were a brutal reminder of how sexual violence continues to be used as a weapon of war. In that context, Luxembourg has just decided to make a voluntary contribution to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the financing of a training programme for 120 trainers and thus help to professionalize the Congolese national police. That training will also raise awareness among the members of the Congolese police with regard to sexual violence and will give them the ability to better protect women and children against acts of sexual violence. At the same time, in a broader context, Luxembourg has just decided to fund a major project of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations that is aimed at strengthening the leadership and participation of women in peacebuilding activities in countries emerging from conflict. That project includes the organization of several meetings at national and regional levels — one on West Africa, the other the Great Lakes region — to facilitate the exchange of good practices in that regard. The protection of women and girls against sexual violence will also be discussed in that context. Luxembourg will continue to pay close attention to the needs of women and children in conflict situations. We encourage the Security Council not to relent in its efforts to achieve concrete progress and reduce the suffering of women and children in conflict situations.

I have the honour to address the Council on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. At the outset, let me thank the United States for leading the Council’s work in its efforts to address the scourge of sexual violence in conflict. Sexual violence is a grave violation of human rights and a threat to the health and lives of the victims and of their communities. And let me be clear: sexual violence is a serious impediment to peace, security and development. Resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010) — the latter adopted today — complement in important and concrete ways the landmark resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security by recognizing sexual violence as a security issue and a possible war crime and in adding provisions on protection, monitoring and enforcement tools. The Nordic countries fully support the resolutions and the Council’s work. Let me also thank and give further encouragement to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Margot Wallström and to United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict. Special Representative Wallström’s briefing to the Council and the insightful report of the Secretary- General (S/2010/604) show that all possible synergies and joint efforts are needed for the United Nations to support national Governments in their efforts to fulfil their responsibilities to prevent and effectively respond to sexual violence. Preventing sexual violence should be our highest priority. Unfortunately, in many conflict situations, national Governments and the United Nations alike have failed to protect civilians from violence. Widespread impunity in conflict situations has led to a culture of impunity and the “normalization” of sexual violence after the conflict has ended. Better monitoring and reporting, effective measures against impunity and comprehensive reparations for victims all contribute to prevention, and that is why I am focusing on these aspects today. We fully support the Secretary-General’s recommendations to establish monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements on conflict-related sexual violence, including the listing of those parties who commit sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. We further support the Secretary-General’s call for a coherent and coordinated approach at the field level. We are therefore very pleased that the resolution adopted by the Council today endorses those recommendations in full. It is also of crucial importance that the information gathered reaches the Council and its sanctions committees in a timely manner. In that regard, we welcome the intention of the Council to ensure the flow of information from the field to the Security Council and to take action based on that information. Monitoring, reporting and sanctions are not ends in themselves. Their aim is to change behaviour and promote adherence to national and international law. We were therefore particularly happy to note that resolution 1960 (2010) also endorses the Secretary- General’s proposal for a dialogue with parties to armed conflict, where verified behavioural change will lead to delisting, while sanctions will be applied against persistent violators. All of those provisions together build a long- awaited mechanism for accountability for sexual violence, and we congratulate the Council for its decision. Investigating and prosecuting all acts of conflict- related sexual violence are both legal obligations and powerful deterrents. This includes holding commanders accountable for ordering, condoning or failing to prevent acts of sexual violence committed by troops under their control. We must find ways to strengthen national judicial systems and processes, including through the deployment of the teams of experts on the rule of law. In some instances it may be necessary to refer cases to the International Criminal Court (ICC). We also encourage the Council to use other mechanisms at its disposal, such as fact-finding commissions and commissions of inquiry. Justice should always be sought with the perspective of survivors in mind. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has recently convened a panel in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where survivors of sexual violence gave their views on justice and reparations. The findings support a holistic approach encompassing not only access to justice, judicial remedies and financial reparations, but also attention to the security, health, education and economic needs of the affected communities. Nordic countries contribute to the ICC’s Trust Fund for Victims and support the work of United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict. We also support a large number of local and international organizations engaged in rehabilitation for survivors of sexual violence. The Nordic countries promote women’s participation at all stages of conflict prevention, peace negotiations and peacebuilding processes. Sexual violence should always be addressed in peace and ceasefire agreements, and no amnesty should be granted for such abuses. The Nordic countries support the efforts of UN Women and the Department of Political Affairs in developing guidance for mediators on addressing sexual violence in peace negotiations. We also welcome and support their Joint Strategy on Gender and Mediation. We believe that it will be an effective tool for strengthening women’s participation in peace processes and for providing expertise and guidance to the parties and the mediators. Leaving sexual violence unaddressed undermines the very purpose of a peace agreement: peace and security for all.

I now give the floor to the representative of Israel.

I thank you, Madame President, for your delegation’s leadership in holding this very important debate. I would also like to thank the Secretary-General, Under-Secretary-General Le Roy, Special Representative Wallström and Military Adviser Gaye for their valuable briefings. In the 10 years since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), we have seen some positive steps to prevent sexual violence in conflict. Unfortunately, overall progress is slow. Israel joined the list of sponsors of resolution 1960 (2010), recognizing the urgent need for collective action on this pressing issue. As a co-sponsor of the previous resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009), Israel remains deeply committed to their full implementation. We welcome the increased deployment of gender advisers, the routine inclusion of provisions in peacekeeping mandates that protect women and girls from sexual violence, and the growing awareness of the need to include women in any peacemaking process. Israel welcomes the Secretary-General’s report of 24 November (S/2010/604) and commends him for his efforts and leadership on this issue. The report documents how widespread acts of rape and other forms of sexual violence — too often committed with impunity — continue to plague many zones of conflict. As Special Representative Wallström has made clear in various forums, including the Security Council, sexual violence in conflict is neither cultural nor sexual; it is criminal. Acts of sexual violence are horrific crimes against individuals. Women, girls and boys who are raped are not only heartlessly robbed of their basic dignity during the time of the crime, but also bear the scars of those appalling acts long after hostilities have ceased. No amount of compensation can heal those wounds. The sad reality is that most victims are forgotten, and the perpetrators of the unspeakable crimes against them are never brought to justice. When committed in armed conflict and employed deliberately and systematically, such acts constitute a weapon of war designed to inflict suffering, instil fear and destroy the social fabric of communities and families. As is rightly emphasized in the Secretary-General’s report, “Depending on the circumstances of the offence, sexual violence can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, an act of torture or a constituent act of genocide” (S/2010/604, para. 4). The Secretary-General’s report provides a number of important recommendations for improving the international community’s efforts on this issue. There is a growing consensus about the need for timely, objective and accurate monitoring and reporting arrangements for incidents of sexual violence to ensure a coherent and coordinated approach to addressing violations and enforcing accountability. We support the listing of perpetrators of sexual violence, as encouraged by resolution 1960 (2010). This can serve as a means for advancing more focused measures for combating such atrocities when they occur. Israel strongly supports the mandate that created the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and recognizes that Special Representative Wallström will play a pivotal role in addressing the issue. The newly formed UN Women, led by Executive Director Michelle Bachelet, also has a central role to play and is well positioned to work with the entire United Nations system. The impact of sexual violence in conflict can be measured in the overwhelming pain it has inflicted on women and men, in the devastation it has wrought in communities and in the instability it continues to foster throughout entire regions. Israel believes that Member States, individually and collectively, must take firm action to curb this serious threat to human dignity and peace. Together, we must make clear that the international community has zero tolerance for the perpetrators of sexual violence in armed conflict and will bring them to justice wherever they carry out their appalling and destructive crimes.

I now give the floor to the representative of Ireland.

This is an urgent and necessary debate. Amid the glow of the holiday season, it is all the more difficult for our imaginations to comprehend the horror and brutality of sexual violence on the scale to which the Secretary-General’s report (S/2010/604) attests. The contrast could not be more shocking between the civility of our lives here and the depravity of sexual violence so widely associated with conflict. The report and resolution 1960 (2010) connect the two worlds. They signal the determination of the international community to stand with the victims and to deal with the perpetrators. Conflict and sexual violence feed off one another. The poisonous interrelationship is fully demonstrated in the Secretary-General’s report. This is an excellent report, clear and dispassionate in its analysis and incisive in its recommendations. Ireland strongly supports the full range of recommendations and welcomes the extent to which they have been reflected in the resolution. Each of the operative paragraphs of the resolution must be followed up with vigour. In her compelling opening address today, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Wallström spelled out the standards to which we must hold ourselves. I wish to make a few comments that draw on Ireland’s experience in United Nations peacekeeping and on our involvement in cross-learning processes. Our extensive engagement in United Nations peacekeeping has taught us that the triggers for sexual violence and the entry points for influence are different from one case to another. But there are some common points. In all situations, active monitoring and timely reporting are critical. Without them, early warnings will be missed, policymaking will not be properly founded, and perpetrators will slip through the cracks. Almost always, too, there are groups that are particularly vulnerable and need specific and special protection. Again and again, one sees the pattern of preying on refugees and internally displaced persons, especially those — mostly women — who have to venture outside villages and camps in search of water and firewood. The recent deployment of Irish defence forces with the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad has left us with some reflections. Our experience of that deployment was that, by raising awareness of human rights, of the unacceptability of sexual and gender-based violence and of the responsibilities of Government and other parties, the Mission helped to foster a climate in which communities were less likely to tolerate and more likely to report acts of sexual violence. That was certainly a positive lesson that a peacekeeping mission, operating as intended, can raise consciousness and change tolerance standards in communities. But helping to change attitudes and standards brings a follow-up responsibility. It cannot be right that communities are left with new ways of looking at things but — with the international presence gone — no means to ensure that new standards are implemented. This is where the continuum between peacekeeping and peacebuilding really matters. In many peacekeeping contexts, an effectively functioning domestic judicial or penal system is lacking. Although international peacekeepers can temporarily fulfil a very important role, tackling sexual violence ultimately necessitates support for a wide range of capacity-building, training and infrastructural development activities. This may not be quick or easy, but only such an integrated approach will ensure that the scourge of sexual violence in conflict is dealt with in a sustainable and lasting way. A further source of insight for us has been the cross-learning process on women, peace and security that Ireland conducted in partnership with Liberia and Timor-Leste. This innovative initiative drew on the experiences of those directly affected by conflict in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Liberia and Timor-Leste to discuss the most critical issues facing women and girls in conflict and post-conflict settings. The report on the process, which we presented to Under-Secretary- General Bachelet on 25 October, highlights a number of important points. Among the particular priorities stressed throughout this initiative were the need to fight against the culture of impunity in relation to sexual violence, to exclude sex crimes from amnesties, to improve women’s access to formal, traditional and transitional justice, to increase awareness among family members and community leaders of issues surrounding sexual and gender-based violence, to enhance capacity to prosecute sex crimes, and to incorporate reporting on sexual and gender-based violence into early warning systems. Ireland is already seeking to take these recommendations forward. For example, sexual and gender-based violence has been incorporated as an indicator into an Irish Government-funded early warning/early response system in Timor-Leste. Let me conclude by reiterating our unequivocal support for Special Representative of the Secretary- General Wallström and her Office, as well as our appreciation for the incremental steps that are being taken by the Security Council on this issue. The perpetrators of crimes of sexual violence now know that they are caught in the headlamps of Security Council attention. Slowly but surely, the darkness in which they took refuge is being dissipated. In this season that reminds us all of our common humanity, I can think of no more appropriate message from the Security Council than today’s expression of support for and solidarity with victims of sexual violence in conflict.

There are a number of speakers remaining on my list for this meeting. I therefore intend, with the concurrence of the members of the Council, to suspend the meeting until 10 a.m. tomorrow, 17 December.