S/PV.6453Resumption1 Security Council

The President: I wish to 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. I shall now invite Mr. Peter Schwaiger, Deputy Head of the delegation of the European Union to the United Nations.

Mr. Schwaiger: The candidate countries Turkey, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia align themselves with this statement. The European Union would like to thank the Secretary-General for his presence yesterday at the open debate. We are also grateful for the presentation of his Special Representative, Madame Wallstrbm, and would like to express our gratitude to Under-Secretary- General Le Roy and Military Adviser Lieutenant General Gaye for all the efforts undertaken by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to combat sexual violence in armed conflict and post-conflict countries. Continuing evidence of daily sexual violence in armed conflict and fragile countries underscores the need to intensify our efforts to prevent and combat such violence. Although attention has been focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo, alarming reports have also been coming from other countries, including countries that are not on the Council's current agenda. Impunity continues to prevail for most acts of sexual violence committed in the course of recent conflicts. The European Union (EU) therefore warmly welcomes the present report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of Security Council resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) (S/2010/604). The EU calls on the Security Council and all States Members of the United Nations to redouble their efforts, notably in the fight against impunity. Often, amnesty is given in the name of peace to combatants who have used sexual torture or sexual violence as a tactic of war. But there can be no sustainable peace without prosecution of perpetrators and justice for victims. Targeted and appropriately tailored measures should be imposed on all parties to a conflict responsible for grave instances of sexual violence. Perpetrators should be held accountable. Data 2 collection and follow-up on the prosecution of sexual offenders requires urgent strengthening. At the Security Council's open debate on the subject held on 26 October, the European Union reiterated its firm call for the reinforcement of global monitoring of situations pertaining to sexual violence in armed conflict. The recommendations of the Secretary-General in the current report provide concrete suggestions in that regard, and the European Union fully endorses those recommendations. The call to establish monitoring and reporting arrangements is particularly noteworthy. Robust monitoring arrangements will enable the Council to track, deter and combat the use of systematic sexual violence in conflict situations. The European Union warmly welcomes the adoption yesterday of resolution 1960 (2010) on sexual violence in situations in armed conflict. We urge the Security Council to build on its strong commitment to that issue and to ensure the full implementation of that and all other relevant resolutions. The Security Council should adopt a zero- tolerance approach by including issues of sexual violence as a priority element in resolutions establishing the mandates for its sanctions committees, and the mandates should explicitly include sexual violence as a criterion for the designation of political and military leaders for targeted measures. The Security Council should also reaffirm its commitment to integrating the gender equality dimension and the protection of civilians from sexual and gender-based violence into the mandates of peacekeeping operations. The connections between violence against women and the ability of women to participate in conflict prevention and management, as well as in peacebuilding and development, must be better understood. Local populations need a focal point for reporting instances of sexual violence. Furthermore, sexual exploitation or abuse by United Nations troops or United Nations staff is totally unacceptable. The European Union supports the United Nations in its efforts to combat violence against women, including the work of the Secretary-General's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Margot Wallstrom. The European Union also closely collaborates with the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, 10-69905 Radhika Coomaraswamy, and has recently reiterated its support for the implementation of the monitoring mechanism set up by resolutions 1612 (2005) and 1882 (2009) by revising the EU implementation strategy on children and armed conflict. I would now like to briefly elaborate on some recent European Union activities undertaken in response to resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009), and complementing individual actions by EU member States. Fighting all forms of sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls, including in armed conflict but not excluding other situations of concern, is among the key objectives of the EU's human rights policy in external relations. In July 2010, the European Union adopted 17 monitoring indicators for its comprehensive approach on the implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008). In addition to over the €300 million set aside for programmes addressing the needs and rights of women and girls in conflict-affected and post-conflict situations in over 67 countries, significant new funds will be made available for civil society projects. In October of this year, the European Union and the African Union organized a joint civil society seminar on women, peace and security in Addis Ababa. In 2012, we plan to organize a workshop on the implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions on our two continents, and we are currently looking for ways to support the training of African peacekeepers and the African Standby Force in human rights and gender issues and to increase the number of women in such contingents. The European Union has recently conducted the first-ever lessons-learned exercise on mainstreaming human rights and gender within its Common Security and Defence Policy missions and operations. It has just adopted standard training modules on human rights, child protection and gender to be used as a baseline reference by all 27 EU member States. EU crisis management missions, 13 of which are currently ongoing, all have advisers or focal points on gender, and many carry out specific actions in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence. In closing, the European Union reiterates its strong support for the work of the United Nations in combating sexual violence in armed conflict and 10-69905 warmly welcomes the Secretary-General's report and most particularly the resolution adopted yesterday.

Mr. Moraes Cabral (Portugal): I would like to thank you, Madame President, and the United States of America, for your initiative to convene this important open debate. I would also like to thank Margot Wallstrom, the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, for presenting the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/604). I commend all Council members for the adoption of resolution 1960 (2010), which Portugal had the honour to co-sponsor. That action-oriented resolution is already a landmark, and I am convinced that it will indeed make a difference, especially for women and girls, in so many parts of the world. Portugal obviously shares the views that were expressed by the European Union regarding the implementation of the resolution, but let me underline some aspects of particular significance to my country. The excellent report before us today provides us with a clear analytical framework for understanding sexual violence in conflict as a threat to security and an impediment to peacebuilding in situations on the Council's agenda. It also examines the causes and consequences of sexual violence in local communities, as well as its consequences for the conflict and the peace process itself. Moreover, the report provides us with very useful information on the significant progress made in implementing resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) with the appointment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, as well as with the establishment of a Team of Experts on the Rule of Law, in order to assist national authorities in reinforcing judicial systems weakened by conflict. We must recognize that much has been done. The legal framework exists. Under international law, the definition of sexual violence is clear and, depending on the circumstances, can constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, an act of torture or a constituent act of genocide. These crimes may entail individual criminal responsibility, including that of commanders. With the appointment of Special Representative Wallstrom and, subsequently, of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law, with the presence of United Nations agencies and peacekeeping missions in the field, the Council should have the tools necessary to obtain reliable and accurate information on sexual 3 violence. This is an issue of particular importance to helping the Council discharge its responsibilities. Concerning the Council's action on this issue, we believe that the Council has been quite successful but that it still needs to reinforce its effectiveness. The mass rapes in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in July and August emphasize the need for further action by the international community. We can certainly consolidate and make full use of existing tools by ensuring adequate funding for the Office of the Special Representative and for the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law, and by assessing the need for women's protection advisers in relevant peacekeeping operations. I would underline two aspects where the Council could become more effective. The first aspect is the need to improve the Council's access to timely, objective, accurate and reliable information on sexual violence in situations on its agenda. In this regard, Portugal strongly supports the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General and the decision taken yesterday by the Council to establish a monitoring and reporting system on sexual violence in conflict in order to ensure a coherent and coordinated approach at the field level and at Headquarters. The good practices of the mechanisms created by the Council to monitor the situation of children in armed conflicts should guide our action, and we hope that these mechanisms will enjoy the same level of success to combat sexual violence in armed conflicts. The second aspect is the Council's action. Indeed, a Council that is better informed is also in a better position to take action. With sufficient information, the Council will be able to take, in a timely manner, further steps to influence parties to conflict to comply with international law and to make specific commitments regarding the prevention of sexual violence or the investigation of alleged abuses. However, if these measures do not restrain the perpetration of sexual violence, the Council needs to follow-up on resolution 1888 (2009). In this regard, Portugal welcomes the decision of the Council to use information available in the reports of the Secretary- General as a basis for a more focused United Nations engagement with those responsible for such acts. This should be understood as sending a clear message to perpetrators of sexual Violence that the Council is ready to apply sanctions to perpetrators who have been identified or who are credibly suspected of committing sexual violence in situations of armed conflict on its agenda. Finally, let me assure the Council of our constant support to the Special Representative in her difficult but very important tasks.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Switzerland.

Mr. Seger (Switzerland) (spoke in French): We are here today to concretize the strategic lines of action developed in resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) to fight conflict-related sexual violence against women and girls. We therefore thank you, Madame, for organizing today's open debate. We welcome the report of the Secretary-General (S/2010/604), which provides an excellent basis for today's discussion, and wish to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Margot Wallstrom, for her excellent work. Her mandate is important and challenging. We assure her of our full support and encourage her to build strong synergies with the United Nations operational system. The Secretary-General's report explicitly states, and we probably all agree, that this year was further proof of our inability to prevent sexual violence in situations of armed conflict. We need to do better in the future. The recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General indicate the way to advance, and we fully support them all. In particular, we should like to highlight the following points and call on the Security Council to take action accordingly. First, Switzerland supports the establishment of a monitoring, analysis and reporting mechanism, as provided for in resolution 1960 (2010), adopted yesterday. The mechanism will collect timely, objective, accurate and reliable information about conflict-related sexual violence, for example on incidents, trends and patterns. Such information should be provided by competent and well-coordinated sources on the field and serve as a basis for concerted action by the Security Council. The mechanism should take into consideration the experience of the monitoring and reporting mechanism on the six grave violations against children in armed conflict identified in resolutions 1612 (2005) and 1882 (2009). With a separate mechanism for women and girls, the Council would assure consistency in countering the use of 10-69905 systematic sexual violence in conflict situations on its agenda. Secondly, it is important to increase pressure on conflict parties and individuals to comply with international humanitarian and human rights law, and to enhance efforts to end impunity for conflict-related sexual violence. To that end, the Security Council has a range of tools including, but not limited to, the use of the sanction system or the competence to refer matters to the International Criminal Court. We encourage the Security Council to make full use of the available tools in order to give teeth to measures concerning women, peace and security. Thirdly, we support the idea that all parties to conflict should prepare specific plans of action for ending acts of sexual violence in conflict situations on the Council's agenda. This would enable the international community to provide specific support to the actors concerned in fulfilling their obligations. Further, it would contribute to a transparent and objective follow-up by the Security Council. The deployment of rapid response teams on the rule of law, as provided for in resolution 1888 (2009), is an example of such support. In this context, we would like to mention the Justice Rapid Response initiative, initiated by Canada and supported by my country. The initiative provides, for example, rapidly deployable criminal justice professionals who collect information in cases of sexual violence in a timely fashion. Fourthly, we encourage United Nations agencies to continue efforts to increase the capacity of their personnel in matters of conflict-related sexual violence. This is particularly important with a View to the establishment of a monitoring and reporting arrangement. Resolution 1888 (2009) introduced the mandate for women's protection advisors who, once operational, will provide additional, important points of reference for the women-protection efforts. Finally, we invite the Council to systematically link thematic and geographical issues. When considering a conflict situation, it is crucial to include a thematic perspective, because the thematic issues on the Council's agenda are cross-cutting issues. To link that to today's subject - as deplorable as it is, sexual violence has become characteristic of many conflicts. It therefore calls for a consistent approach by the Council. 10-69905 Lastly, I should like to reiterate that we fully associate ourselves with the statement to be delivered later by the representative of Costa Rica on behalf of the Human Security Network. The issue discussed in this open debate is high among our priorities. We remain committed to contributing to achieving the goals of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009).

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Slovenia.

Ms. Stiglic (Slovenia): Allow me first to thank the United States for organizing this important open debate. I should also like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Margot Wallstrom and the Council's other invitees for their briefings. I would also like to align Slovenia with the statement delivered by the representative of the European Union and the statement to be delivered by the representative of Costa Rica on behalf of the Human Security Network. In contemporary conflicts, sexual violence is not a side effect but, rather, a front line consideration. Civilians, mostly women and girls, are often the deliberate targets of such violence. Sexual violence in conflict situations is frequently invisible but rarely non-existent. The international community was shocked by the reported mass rapes in the Democratic Republic of Congo in July and August this year. However, alarming news on sexual violence is also coming from other conflict and post-conflict situations. Sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations takes many forms, not just rape. Under international law, sexual violence constitutes different forms of crimes and acts. Although the victims of sexual violence are predominantly women and girls, we should not forget that sexual violence is also committed against boys and men. The current report (S/2010/604) of the Secretary-General gives a very good overview of the issue of conflict-related sexual violence in general, and specifically about the situations in countries on the Security Council's agenda. Slovenia welcomes the progress made in carrying out the five-point priority agenda of the Special Representative. We also welcome the recommendations in Secretary-General's report. 5 It is of the utmost importance to prevent the continuing sexual violence by fighting impunity. In that regard, the role of international criminal justice should be recognized, in particular that of the International Criminal Court. Slovenia supports the recommendation to increase pressure on the perpetrators of sexual violence, as well as those in the chain of command responsible for such acts, through the adoption of sanctions and other targeted measures against individuals and entities by the relevant sanctions committees. As timely, objective, accurate and reliable information is fundamental in addressing conflict- related sexual violence, Slovenia supports the recommendation to establish a monitoring and reporting mechanism that would build on the experience and practice of the mechanism established under resolutions 1612 (2005) and 1882 (2009), on children and armed conflict. There is yet much to be done in the area of victim assistance. Disabled women face heightened vulnerability to sexual violence and exploitation. It is commendable that, in recognition of the risk faced by women maimed or wounded by antipersonnel landmines, sexual violence has been specifically included in the 2010 gender guidelines for mine action programmes that have been developed by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations. We look forward to the strategic framework on civilian protection and the series of scenario-based training modules, which will also address sexual violence, that are being finalized by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support. We support the recent United Nations activities on this issue aimed at finalizing training materials for United Nations and national police, including the development of gender guidelines for military personnel in peacekeeping operations that also address the protection of women and girls from sexual violence. I would like to take this opportunity to inform the Council that, a month ago, Slovenia adopted its 2010- 2015 national action plan for the implementation of resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008). One of the three main objectives of the plan is to prevent sexual violence against women and girls and to protect them during and after armed conflict. Furthermore, the action plan includes measures to strengthen the role of 6 women in conflict resolution and conflict prevention, as well as in peacebuilding and peacekeeping. In conclusion, I would like emphasize that sexual violence poses an obstacle to peace and security. It impedes women from participating in peace and democratic processes and in post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation. As a tool of war it can become a way of life: once entrenched in the fabric of society, it lingers long after the guns have fallen silent. Many women lose their health, livelihoods, husbands, families and support networks as a result of rape. This, in turn, can shatter the structures that anchor community values, and with that disrupt their transmission to future generations. Children accustomed to acts of rape can grow into adults who accept such acts as the norm. This vicious cycle must stop, as we cannot accept a selective zero-tolerance policy. Today's adoption of resolution 1960 (2010), on sexual violence, is an important step in that direction. It is for that reason that Slovenia joined in co-sponsoring it.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Colombia.

Mr. Osorio (Colombia) (spoke in Spanish): Colombia would like to associate itself with the expressions of gratitude for the holding of this debate, which will certainly contribute to increasing understanding and awareness of this tragic aspect of armed conflict. We would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (S/2010/604), and Special Representative of the Secretary General Margot Wallstrom for her excellent presentation yesterday. Allow me first to emphasize the importance of the role of the United Nations in promoting the participation of women in achieving peace, security and development, as well as in the initiatives undertaken in response to the problem of sexual violence in conflicts. Colombia endorses the repeated statements issued by the Security Council in connection with all acts of sexual violence and other violence against civilians in armed conflict, in particular against women and children. We regret the fact that, despite those statements, various armed groups continue to commit such acts. International efforts by the Organization, in particular the establishment of UN Women, contribute 10-69905 to strengthening coordination and cooperation in the implementation of mandates on women peace and security. Broad and inclusive intergovernmental consultations to assess the gender architecture and the advancement of women, as well as agreement among States as to the models and practices to be adopted on this topic, are fundamental to making progress in enhancing national capacities to eliminate sexual violence in conflict. Strengthening the rule of law as an essential element in the search for lasting solutions to sexual violence in conflict is one aspect addressed in the report of the Secretary General. My delegation would like to highlight that approach and to encourage the United Nations to continue to broaden it. The work done in this area by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Development Programme has our full support. Resolution 1888 (2009) includes provisions for increasing the participation of women in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. We agree that their participation in that regard contributes to creating an atmosphere of trust in which women and children can expose the abuses to which they are subjected. We also believe that their inclusion can generate greater participation by women in law enforcement, militaries and police agencies in countries in which they are deployed. For several months, therefore, Colombia has been a contributor to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, providing two female police officers with a strong background in human rights and the protection of children and adolescents. Colombia would like to reiterate its willingness to step up its contribution in that regard. We hope that, in implementing resolution 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009), mechanisms for cooperation, constructive dialogue and effective support to countries will be promoted. We also highlight the role that the General Assembly can play in strengthening cooperation with States in the complex tasks that have been set out. Strengthening the role and capacity of women, as well as justice and the enforcement of their rights, is of utmost importance for the Government of Colombia. In that effort, the contribution of the United Nations system and the international community is essential. Colombia, in its capacity as one of the Friends of 1325, will continue to closely monitor developments in the area of women and peace and security and reiterates its commitment to the implementation of policies, plans and programmes that expand and strengthen the role of women in peacebuilding. Ms. Wallstrom's dedication, dynamic work and commitment to this cause deserve our recognition and all our support.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of India.

Mr. Puri (India): I would like to thank you, Madam President, for organizing this debate. There is a saying that all that is necessary for evil to continue is for good men to do nothing. My delegation believes that the community of nations must ensure that the human rights of all are respected. Universal respect for human rights is, in our view, the basis of the common and better future that we seek to build. The weakest are the biggest victims of conflict and, as the Secretary-General points out in his report (S/2010/604), women continue to suffer appallingly in conflicts. Sexual violence is, according to the report, not merely a consequence of conflict but a driver. It perpetuates conflict and locks its victims into a vicious cycle of violence and oppression. The international community has not just the responsibility, but also the obligation to do its utmost to ensure the security of women and children. Two important strands of international concern converge in this debate. These are the struggle to empower women and the constant endeavour of the United Nations to preserve peace and international security. The struggle to empower women has moved forward from declaratory resolutions. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Commission on the Status of Women have been milestones in that journey. I was myself proactively involved in the creation of UN Women. We have very high expectations from that entity. No country can be absolved from the responsibility of acting against sexual violence, one of the more abhorrent forms of violence against women. My delegation is committed to international regimes that further those objectives. The proceedings of the Council today will add to the edifice created by resolutions 1325 (2000), 1612 (2005), 1820 (2008), 1882 (2009) and 1888 (2009). Those and other decisions of the Security Council on, inter alia, sexual violence, children and the protection of civilians have led to a significant addition to the corpus of international law. We welcome the appointment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Margot Wallstrom. Thanks to the resolve of the international community the operational and peacekeeping activities of the United Nations has been oriented towards recognizing the plight of women and children in conflict areas and being proactive in working towards preventing violence against them. India supports those developments. The resolution that was adopted yesterday (resolution 1960 (2010)) and which we sponsored, will add a number of new dimensions to the ongoing work. While the objectives of that framework are laudable, its implementation remains a work in progress. We will, during our term on the Council, remain seriously engaged with both the evolution of the normative side and its implementation. The monitoring and reporting mechanism, which is to provide the data on the basis of which the system is to operate, needs close supervision by Member States to ensure its veracity and credibility. Data collection and analysis, as well as listing and de-listing, should be carried out in a transparent and judicious manner under the close supervision of Member States. The Security Council must ensure that the resources needed to implement its mandates are available. United Nations missions are being asked to do more with less. For example, the resolution that was just adopted will expand the mandate without expanding already inadequate resources. Being the largest troop-contributing country in United Nations history, with more than 100,000 peacekeepers in 40 United Nations missions, India has perhaps more experience than most in implementing Security Council mandates. It is indeed Indian troops, along with the peacekeepers of fellow troop- contributing countries, who convert the intent of this Council into deed. We take great pride in the stellar record of our peacekeepers, both men and women, in the protection of women, children and the weak. Indian troops have apprehended some of the principal culprits behind the recent sexual violence in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We can do much more if more resources are made available. Martin Luther King once said that injustice anywhere diminishes justice everywhere. We believe that the perpetrators of those crimes must be brought to justice. Relevant national capacities must be strengthened. The Secretariat and the funds and programmes can do more. We believe that greater participation by women in the areas of conflict prevention, peace negotiations, peacekeeping and post-conflict reconstruction is an essential prerequisite for lasting peace and security. We believe that women's protection advisers have a key role to play in implementation, and we would be happy to contribute such personnel. We value the contributions of civil society in that arena. I am a member of the Sikh faith. Four centuries ago, Guru Gobind Singh, at a time when conditions in India were unstable and conflict-ridden, ordered us to treat women captured in battle with the greatest respect. That is the Indian ethos in respect of women, particularly during situations of conflict. That is what we are committed to and what we will uphold.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Costa Rica.

Mr. Ulibarri (Costa Rica): It is an honour for Costa Rica to speak in its capacity as Chair of the Human Security Network. The Network is a cross- regional group of countries that includes Austria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Greece, Ireland, Jordan, Mali, Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland and Thailand, with South Africa as an observer. On behalf of the members, I would like to express our appreciation for the convening of an open debate on this important topic and thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Margot Wallstrijm, for the presentation of the report (S/2010/604). The Human Security Network stresses the need to provide coherent and strategic leadership in the United Nations on the issue of sexual violence in conflict, including through the allocation of appropriate resources in implementing the mandate conferred on Ms. Wallstrom by the Security Council in its resolution 1888 (2009). We would like to express our support to Ms. Wallstrom and encourage her to build strong synergies with the United Nations operational system. Less than two months ago, we celebrated the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000). Unfortunately, progress towards the implementation of cross-cutting gender commitments, especially those aimed at curbing, punishing perpetrators of and protecting against sexual violence in situations of armed conflict, has not been satisfactory. In that respect, we welcome the progress made on Ms. Wallstrom's five-point priority agenda as a step forward in the process. The report highlights, inter alia, the challenges posed by inaccurate information about sexual violence, inadequate preventive measures and the failure to end impunity. In the light of such challenges, we strongly support the efforts of the United Nations system to establish monitoring, reporting and analysis arrangements with regard to conflict-related sexual violence. Timely, objective, accurate and reliable information, verified by the United Nations system, on conflict-related sexual violence is crucial to addressing this issue in a comprehensive and systematic manner. It must be the basis for further action by the Security Council, including the adoption of sanctions and other targeted measures, and for including in the Secretary- General's annual reports to the Council detailed information on parties to armed conflict who are credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for acts of rape or other forms of sexual Violence. As suggested in the report, the arrangements should take into account experiences gained and practices developed through the monitoring and reporting mechanism established pursuant to Security Council resolutions 1612 (2005) and 1882 (2009) on children and armed conflict. Sexual violence, including by parties to armed conflicts, is unacceptable at any time. We call on all of them to cease such acts and to make concrete commitments in this regard, as called for in resolution 1960 (2010), adopted yesterday. All necessary steps, including targeted measures, must be taken to protect individuals, hold perpetrators accountable and provide remedy to victims. Ending impunity for perpetrators and those responsible in chains of command, including United Nations personnel, is imperative. The Rome Statute's qualification of sexual-related crimes as potential war crimes and crimes against humanity constituted a major achievement in the fight against impunity. In this connection, we urge the Security Council to refer relevant cases to the International Criminal Court. The Human Security Network also takes note of the recommendation regarding the adoption by relevant sanctions committees of sanctions and other targeted measures against individuals and entities. In this regard, the exchange of information among United Nations peacekeeping missions, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Security Council sanctions committees will be of great importance. Women's full enjoyment of all human rights has been a priority of the Human Security Network since its inception. While it is crucial to this agenda that we maintain momentum in the fight against sexual violence, we also underline the importance of women's empowerment as part of the solution. Sustainable peace is not possible without the participation of women; and without the participation of women in laying the foundations for sustainable peace, sustainable development may also be hindered in the future. We particularly welcome the adoption of a new resolution on sexual violence in conflict. We express our hope that efforts to combat sexual violence in situations of armed conflict and its aftermath will be strengthened in a manner that will support a coherent and comprehensive United Nations response consistent with the conceptualization of the newly-created UN Women. Neither silence, nor tolerance, nor impunity is an option when facing the perpetrators. This is a message that should clearly emanate from the Security Council, and one that must resonate with us all.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Kenya.

Ms. Ojiambo (Kenya): Kenya welcomes the leadership shown by the United States in convening this debate during its presidency of the Council. My delegation also welcomes the report of the Secretary- General (S/2010/604) on the implementation of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009), and supports the progress described therein while taking note of the remaining challenges. Kenya further welcomes the adoption of resolution 1960 (2010) yesterday to strengthen responses to sexual violence through the establishment of monitoring and reporting arrangements on conflict-related sexual violence. I wish to also thank the Secretary-General, Special Representative Wallstrom, Under-Secretary- General Alain Le Roy and Lieutenant General Gaye for their insightful briefings yesterday. In his report, the Secretary-General brings to light how conflict-related sexual violence has become a threat to human security, especially for women and girls. The report also highlights how such violence is an impediment to socio-economic development and peacebuilding efforts in countries emerging from conflict situations. The continued use of sexual violence as a tactic of war serves as a wake-up call to all of us that more needs to be done to protect women and girls from sexual violence. My delegation would also wish to underscore the fact that peace, justice and security are interdependent. There can be no peace without the peace of mind that enables women to undertake their daily tasks, no justice without a national capacity to deliver justice, and no security without women's security. For this reason, the issue that we are addressing today - women and peace and security - is important and deserves the absolute and unrelenting support of the international community. My delegation welcomes the appointment of Margot Wallstrom as the first Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict to provide coherent and strategic leadership in the fight against this vice. We wish her the very best in executing her mandate. The international attention and the priority that the diplomatic community ascribes to her Office are already being demonstrated in the countries where she has conducted field visits. Her recent visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the mass rapes of over 300 women and girls in Walikale contributed to the arrest of "Lieutenant Colonel" Mayele, a suspect in the mass rapes. Kenya believes that her leadership will further serve to bolster efforts geared towards the fight against sexual violence in armed conflict. In armed conflicts, civilian casualties far outnumber those of armed combatants. While women and men alike suffer human rights violations in conflicts, women and girls are more likely to be the targets of sexual violence, especially rape. Women face additional and sometimes insurmountable obstacles to obtaining justice because of the stigma attached to survivors of sexual violence, their disadvantaged position in society and cultural challenges. In this regard, Kenya welcomes the progress made in establishing the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law, whose mandate is to assist national authorities in strengthening the rule of law and facilitating access to justice for such victims. Kenya supports the Secretary-General's call on countries affected by conflict to draw from this important resource. Member States are also urged to ensure that the Team has sustainable funding to facilitate its work. My delegation appreciates the very important role that women's protection advisers will play in protecting women and girls from sexual violence. Their support for the monitoring, analysis and reporting system on sexual violence and their facilitation of dialogue with parties to conflict are welcome. The development and implementation of strategies to combat sexual violence and the mainstreaming of the elimination of sexual violence into policies and operations of peacekeeping and political missions are also welcome. While Kenya notes the proposal to determine the need for the advisers on a case-by-case basis, caution should be taken, however, to ensure that delays in making such decisions do not lead to undue suffering for women and girls in conflict situations. The lifelong negative effects on victims and perpetrators alike of the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war, as highlighted in the Secretary-General's report, buttress the call for prevention of conflict and, where conflict exists, for expedient action in ending the conflict. While recognizing that the primary responsibility for protecting civilians lies with each State, the implementation of (2008) and 1888 (2009) would be better realized through genuine partnerships between nation States and other international efforts. Kenya condemns all forms of violence against women, including sexual violence, and has always urged compliance with humanitarian and human rights law during times of conflict. The appalling situation regarding the atrocities of sexual violence meted out against women and girls in conflict situations, especially in the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa, have to be looked at seriously. As a community of States, we must rigorously implement the United Nations zero- tolerance policy against sexual abuse and exploitation. We must also provide protection for women and ensure that putting a stop to war-related sexual violence is prioritized at the international level. We laud the crucial work being carried out by agencies such as UN Women, the United Nations Population Fund and UNICEF to deal with such issues. Similarly, we need to galvanize support to put in place the necessary infrastructure to ensure that victims of sexual violence receive quality legal and medical assistance. More women should be involved in peace mediation and peacebuilding processes. Decisions should not be made for women. Women must be part and parcel of a process that affects them. In that regard, Kenya's new constitutional requirement that no more than two-thirds of the members of elected or appointed bodies shall be of the same gender is a principle that can be emulated in order to mainstream women into such processes. I wish to conclude by reiterating my country's commitment to the full and timely implementation of all Security Council resolutions against sexual violence, including resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010). Beyond that, we call on all parties to conflicts to make specific and time-bound commitments to ceasing all acts of sexual violence.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Argentina.

Mr. Argiiello (Argentina) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, I would like to congratulate your delegation, Madame President, on its presidency of the Council for the month of December. We appreciate the initiative to convene this open debate on such a sad and timely issue. I would also like to thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, his Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Margot Wallstrom, as well as Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Alain Le Roy and Lieutenant General Babacar Gaye for their briefings yesterday. The Secretary-General's report (S/2010/604) on the implementation of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) lists a series of acts that can only be described as atrocities committed against women in various conflict situations currently on the Council's agenda. It is hard to believe that such acts can be perpetrated as mere war tactics deliberately directed at civilian populations in an environment of complete insecurity, and therefore complete impunity. The international community cannot remain indifferent to such atrocities, nor accept the myth that rape is an inevitable by-product of war. Doing so would paralyse any attempt to eradicate such actions. Sexual violence must be considered a violation of the victims' human rights; that being the case, the perpetrators must be prosecuted, judged and punished. At the same time, we must step-up awareness-raising campaigns aimed at the civilian population vis-a-vis preventing such crimes. And we must urge States to strengthen protection for girls and women in conflicts. Regrettably, sexual violence is a constant at all stages of armed conflict. Often, it is not a matter of isolated incidents, but instead includes related crimes such as kidnapping, indiscriminate killing, torture, looting and forced displacement. The international community must continue to urge armed groups to end such abhorrent practices and to work with States to end the impunity surrounding them. In Argentina, all selection and training procedures carried out when deploying a peacekeeping operation take into account the peacekeeper code of conduct, including issues of gender, abuse, violence and sexual exploitation, as outlined in the concepts and terms established in resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008). My country would like to congratulate the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Margot Wallstrom, on her appointment and the work she is doing. We also support the recommendations contained in the Secretary-General's report, in particular the following: first, including in the Secretary-General's annual reports lists of those parties who have committed acts of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict, as a basis for more focused engagement with the parties and, where necessary, for the application of targeted measures; secondly, calling on all parties to a conflict to make specific and time-bound commitments to cease all acts of sexual violence; thirdly, establishing a monitoring, analysis and reporting system; and, lastly, that the Security Council systematically consider the issue of sexual violence when it authorizes or renews the mandates of peacekeeping and special political missions. I would like to conclude by reaffirming my country's unshakable commitment to combating sexual violence in situations of conflict. As a demonstration of that commitment, we were proud to join the co-sponsors of the resolution 1960 (2010), which the Council adopted yesterday.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Chile.

Mr. Errazuriz (Chile) (spoke in Spanish): I should like to begin by saying that Chile associates itself with the statement made by the representative of Costa Rica on behalf of the Human Security Network. Chile attaches great importance to the issue of conflict-related sexual violence, which usually affects highly vulnerable groups and which represents a threat to security and a persistent obstacle to peacebuilding, including in situations addressed by the Council. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which my country has ratified, defines six types of sexual violence as crimes against humanity. Accordingly - and in the belief that such violence should be a priority for those dealing with establishing, maintaining and building peace, as well as for humanitarian workers - Chile co-sponsored resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010). Those resolutions enable the international community to focus on prevention and real-time responses, not merely on the necessary corrective measures. Believing as we do in the merit of the principles underpinning those resolutions, we welcome the Secretary-General's comprehensive report (S/2010/604) on this subject. We also wish to highlight the role played by Ms. Margot Wallstrom's in fulfilling her mandate as the Secretary-General's Special Representative. We urge her to continue to work actively and collaboratively while avoiding duplication of efforts addressed in other mandates. We also thank her for the field missions she has undertaken, which have borne eloquent witness to the horrors of this scourge. In that regard, we were outraged at the large- scale violations committed in July and August. We acknowledge the crucial need to address this scourge in exemplary, timely and sustainable ways. We also take note of the important work of the network of 13 entities involved in the United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict. We hope that it will receive the support it needs to continue to improve prevention and early warning mechanisms. Chile takes a positive view of the following recommendations in the report. The first is to invite the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict to exchange pertinent information with the Council and its relevant sanctions committees. The second is to assess the advisability of adopting sanctions and other measures by the relevant Security Council sanctions committees, as provided in resolution 1888 (2009), taking into consideration their short-, medium- and long-term impacts. Third is to closely assess the usefulness of including in the annexes to the annual reports lists of parties responsible for sexual violence in situations of armed conflict on the Security Council agenda as a basis for more focused engagement on the parties. In that connection, we believe that the Council's work on children and armed conflict could serve as a guide. Fourth is to call on parties in situations of armed conflict on the Council's agenda to make specific and time-bound commitments to put an end to all acts of sexual violence, including clear orders through the chain of command. Fifth is to support the efforts of the United Nations system to establish monitoring and reporting arrangements with regard to conflict-related sexual violence; to promote the participation of all concerned in the analysis of information, including on trends, patterns and early warning indicators; and to evaluate and identify targeted actions against perpetrators and programmatic responses for survivors. I conclude by thanking the presidency of the Council for this month, the United States, for having convened this debate, and by calling on the Council to engage decisively in the implementation of the resolutions, which Chile supported together with the mother resolution 1325 (2000), for which we already have a national plan. In our opinion, such implementation will be concrete only if we commit ourselves to concerted action and accountability as regards prevention, participation and protection, taking into account all the stakeholders involved.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Spain.

Mr. De Laiglesia (Spain) (spoke in Spanish): Spain aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of the European Union. As this is the first time that I address the Security Council as the new Permanent Representative of Spain, I would like first to express my gratitude for the opportunity to take part in this debate. Sexual violence in situations of conflict, like gender-based violence in the home, has remained in the private sphere for far too long. In his report (S/2010/604) on the implementation of resolutions 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009), the Secretary-General affirms that sexual violence used as a weapon of war can become a way of life that continues once the conflict has ended. All too often, such violence is invisible and thereby protected because it is considered a private aspect of interpersonal relationships. However, we cannot forget that it is a crime of war, a crime against humanity and a flagrant breach of human rights. The situation is exacerbated by the intolerable impunity that many perpetrators of those crimes enjoy, which allows the problem to be perpetuated over time and prevents it from being fought effectively. Combating that impunity should indeed be our main priority and tried in the appropriate forums, including the International Criminal Court. The body of standards established by resolutions 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009) and 1889 (2009), as well as 1960 (2010), adopted yesterday by the Council, is the main tool for combating sexual violence in conflict. The institutional structure being set up, and led by Special Representative Ms. Margot Wallstrom, is also essential. However, as became obvious at the thematic debate held by the Security Council (see S/PV.6411) on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), a body of standards will not be enough if measures are not applied and implemented. The new resolution should lead the United Nations as a whole to combat sexual violence in situations of conflict even more decisively, ensuring the perfect coordination of the activities of the various bodies and relevant entities, including, of course, the new entity UN Women. My delegation supports the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General, and co-sponsored the resolution submitted to the Council. My Government also supports the Special Representative's agenda of priorities and considers it very important to continue training peace contingents to combat sexual violence and to consolidate the institutional structure set out in the resolutions, ensuring that they have the necessary financing. My Government is completing the second review of our national action plan on women and peace and security, bringing it into line with the provisions of recent Security Council resolutions and broadening its provisions on sexual violence in conflict. In that regard, I am pleased to report three actions that we have recently undertaken. First, in cooperation with the Government of the Netherlands, we have launched a joint civilian-military training exercise on gender-based violence and the protection of civilians, as mentioned yesterday by the Permanent Representative of the Netherlands in his statement. Secondly, Spanish cooperation funds activities promoted by civil society to combat sexual violence in situations of conflict in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. Finally, in June, the Spanish criminal code was amended to include a specific penalty for those violating the sexual freedom of a protected person in the context of armed conflict. The international community must continue to combat sexual violence in conflict at the national, regional and global levels. We must end the impunity of perpetrators and provide appropriate compensation to victims, ensuring that they become agents of change and peace. The international community can count on the cooperation of my Government in that undertaking.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Georgia.

Mr. Tsiskarashvili (Georgia): At the outset, let me join previous speakers in commending you, Madame, for organizing this open debate on a very important matter. Georgia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the European Union earlier in the debate. Georgia welcomes the adoption of resolution 1960 (2010) and is proud to be its co-sponsor. We also welcome the establishment of UN Women and the appointment of Ms. Bachelet as the first leader of that body. We are convinced that, under her able leadership, there will be firm progress in solving problems that are on the women and peace and security agenda. Despite some achievements and the fact that the issue of women's rights and peace and security has been on the agenda of the Security Council and other relevant United Nations institutions for a decade, we all recognize that serious challenges remain in transforming those positive developments into tangible results. Indeed, women and children are the worst- affected segment of populations in modern conflicts, in which they are influenced by the degradation of their living conditions and fundamental rights. The violation of the rights of women is one of the principal characteristics of various conflicts across the world in both conflict and post-conflict situations. Unfortunately, 10 years since the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), the plight of women and girls in armed conflict is still dire. Regrettably, the war in Georgia in August 2008 was no exception in that sense. It resulted in the gross violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including violence against women. Due to the sensitive nature of the crime, rapes are frequently underreported, especially in war. Nonetheless, the rape, torture and mutilation of ethnic Georgian women were by registered by various international and non-governmental organizations, including the independent fact-finding mission headed by Swiss diplomat Heidi Tagliavini. The documented cases unequivocally prove the involvement of occupying forces from a neighbouring country and its proxies in serious violations of women's rights, including sexual violence and humiliating treatment, among the other instruments of ethnic cleansing that we have witnessed on the occupied territories of Georgia since the early 1990s. Even today, the rights and freedoms of Georgian women are jeopardized in the occupied territories of Georgia. Human rights watchdogs and international missions are banned from monitoring the humanitarian and human rights situation in the occupied territories. As a result, this situation, which has deteriorated, remains off the United Nations radar. The continuation of the current state of affairs cannot be tolerated by the international community. Finally, let me reassure the Council that Georgia supports the efforts of the entire United Nations family to prevent, and eventually eradicate, violence against women.

The President: I now give the floor to Ms. Margot Wallstrdm to respond to comments.

Ms. Wallstriim: First of all, I would like to thank the President for her determined leadership, and that of the United States of America, on the issue of conflict- related sexual violence. I also wish to thank all the Permanent Representatives and delegations for their supportive, constructive and, I would say, inspiring interventions. With the adoption of resolution 1960 (2010) we have now been given the tools to fight sexual violence in conflict and to hold the perpetrators accountable through international scrutiny and pressure; now we must use them. A resolution is only as good as its implementation. And implementation, as we all know, requires sustained resolve as well as resources. My team and I will consistently remind the world of the new consensus that we have forged here in the Security Council. We will deploy the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law to help Governments to break the cycle of impunity. We will use the platform of the United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict to ensure a coordinated and coherent response from the United Nations system, including more effective prevention, a rapid protection response to early warning indicators and spikes in sexual violence and comprehensive support to survivors. We will continue to amplify in the Chamber the voices of survivors from war-torn corners of the globe. We will not rest. We might even be difficult at times. But, with the Council's help and continued support, we can and we will stop this scourge. For the first time, we will name and shame the perpetrators and track their actions in order to prevent and punish sexual violence as an act of war. Ten years since the Council first considered the issue of women and peace and security, women now are watching and waiting all over the world.

The President: I would like to thank Ms. Wallstrom very much for the comments she has just made, for spending time with us and listening to our views and for her commitment to this issue. The representative of the Russian Federation has requested the floor.

Mr. Tolkach (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): With regard to the statement made by the representative of Georgia, I would like to recall that, as a result of Georgia's armed aggression in 2008, two independent States were formed - South Ossetia and Abkhazia - and that there are no occupying forces on the territory of those States, as such. 10-69905

The President: There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 11.25 am. 15