Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.
The Candidate Countries Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Montenegro, as well as Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia and Georgia, align themselves with this statement
One year ago the Security Council, by the adoption of resolution 1820, recognized that conflict-related sexual violence can constitute a threat to international peace and security. Resolution 1820 is a landmark resolution and a vital complement to resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. The European Union views its effective implementation as pivotal. Allow me to underline that the European Union commends the Secretary-General for his report on this urgent and important subject. We ask the Secretary-General to report annually to the Security Council on developments concerning the implementation of resolution 1820.
The General Assembly has recognized that sexual violence is a well-established method of torture and warfare. It is deeply de-humanising and must be addressed at all levels, locally and internationally. The European Union condemns sexual violence in all its forms, including its use as a tool to advance political and military objectives. We call on leaders of all countries and organizations to take firm action to combat sexual violence.
The issue of conflict-related sexual violence has to be dealt with in a coordinated manner by the UN system. All branches of the UN should come together behind the vision that resolution 1820 proposed, and the Secretary-General’s report echoes. Gaps in effort need to be identified and addressed, and accountability must be established. The UN needs to develop a better capacity to gather information about cases of sexual violence, and to address the needs of the victims.
The European Union takes note of the idea to appoint a senior representative with responsibility to integrate UN´s response to conflict-related sexual violence. We would also welcome a follow-up mechanism on sexual violence, and express our support to all efforts to create synergies between the resolutions 1325, 1820 and 1612.
We need to improve the way we integrate women and gender aspects into broader humanitarian and peacemaking strategies. Women must be represented at every stage and level of peace negotiations. Civil society actors involved in women’s issues should be consulted throughout these processes.
Peacekeeping missions can do more to address conflict-related sexual violence, by supporting national efforts and by preparing themselves for the task in advance. Issues of sexual violence, gender equality and respect for human rights must be an integral part of the concept of operations for peacekeeping missions, including the pre-deployment training of peacekeepers.
There should be no alternative to a policy of zero tolerance on the issue. The sexual crimes currently committed by parties in situations like the conflicts in Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan are unacceptable. Sexual crimes committed by military personnel should fall under the jurisdiction of civilian courts.
Short-term measures to improve protection must be accompanied by long-term efforts to establish the rule of law. We must ensure that respect for human rights and gender justice is reflected in national legislation and upheld in practice. Much more can be done to ensure the effective implementation of Member States’ commitments on this issue. Impunity for atrocities against civilian populations must end. Institutions must be built to bring perpetrators to justice and address discrimination against women and children. The European Union supports the development of a comprehensive UN strategy to combat impunity for sexual violence. Mr. President,
The European Union will continue to implement resolutions 1325 and 1820 by mainstreaming a gender-sensitive approach in all its policies and activities, especially those relating to crisis management, long-term development cooperation and by targeted measures to protect and support women and children. On a broader level, the European Union will integrate women, peace and security issues in its development strategies and in its dialogue with partnership countries. A strong focus will be on the rule of law and on the responsibility to rebuild effective and gender sensitive justice systems. These systems should aim to deliver justice to victims of sexual violence and help bring an end to impunity.
The Security Council and the General Assembly have recognized the de-stabilizing and de-humanizing effects of sexual violence. The Member States recognize our obligations under international law to refrain from violating human rights and to protect our populations from such violence.
Backed by Member State consensus on the gravity of this mather, the Secretary-General’s report provides us with the basis to move forward collectively on the issue of conflict-related sexual violence, through the United Nations. The European Union will be an active partner to the UN in this endeavor.
Finally, on another issue, let me add that the European Union welcomes the resolution on Children and Armed Conflict that was adopted on Tuesday. The resolution is an important step that will contribute to an improved situation for children worldwide.
I thank you.
* Croatia and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.