AHEAD OF SECURITY COUNCIL DEBATE, SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON OUTLINES

CHALLENGES, PROGRESS IN COMBATING TACTICAL USE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

A report issued by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon paints a disturbing picture of sexual violence used against civilians in armed conflicts and their aftermath.

The report (document S/2009/362) also outlines the responsibility of States and other parties in relation to sexual violence, and areas in need of priority attention if progress is to be made in preventing and responding to sexual violence.  It highlights actions being taken by Governments, the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations to address the issue and outlines a way forward for the Security Council in combating sexual violence.

Council resolution 1820 (2008), which determined that sexual violence could pose a threat to the restoration of international peace and security when used or commissioned as a tactic of war to deliberately target civilians, called on the Secretary-General to report on progress in implementation of the text.  It tasked the Department of Peacekeeping Operations with producing the report on behalf of the United Nations system, using information gathered from the Organization’s offices and partners in countries on the Council’s agenda.

Stipulating that sexual violence is more endemic than documented in his report, the Secretary-General notes that it also occurs in armed conflicts not currently before the Council, and points out that sexual violence has been used against civilians in conflicts throughout history.  However, the report defines an agenda and priorities to help Member States and the United Nations develop a coherent and integrated approach to combating sexual violence wherever it occurs in situations of armed conflict and their aftermath.

The report provides information on the use of sexual violence against civilians in recent and ongoing armed conflict situations, including on a widespread or systematic basis.  The Secretary-General notes that attacks on civilians are often accompanied by abduction, enforced prostitution and the enslavement of victims.  Further, sexual violence is perpetrated on discriminatory grounds and is sometimes committed to instil terror, and as a form of reprisal.

All countries transitioning from conflict to peace in which sexual violence was widely practised indicate that it continues and is a major factor undermining early recovery and peacebuilding.  The Secretary-General recalls that States bear primary responsibility for preventing sexual violence, protecting individuals, punishing perpetrators, and providing remedy to victims.

According to the report, all parties to armed conflict are obliged to protect civilians from sexual violence.  “It is my strong belief that, when it comes to sexual violence, we cannot expect peace without justice, reparation without recognition, and sustainable development without the full empowerment of those who have suffered sexual violence, or are at risk,” the Secretary-General writes.

The report lists a range of actions being taken by Member States in conflict-affected countries, and by the United Nations to help States prevent and respond to sexual violence.  It notes that further urgent actions must be taken by States and other parties to conflict to prevent sexual violence and protect civilians, combat impunity and address discrimination against women and girls, who are the majority victims of sexual violence.  Assistance and remedy to victims are also in need of improvement.

Citing the Secretary-General’s advocacy campaign, “UNiTE to End Violence against Women”, and his efforts to strengthen coordination within the United Nations system to ensure the United Nations “delivers as one” in responding to sexual violence, the report sets forth his plans to improve data collection and reporting on the use of sexual violence in ongoing armed conflict situations and in other situations of concern.  It contains 12 recommendations on ways in which the Security Council can continue to provide leadership in adopting effective prevention and response strategies to combat sexual violence.

Resolution 1820 (2008) complements resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, which encourages greater participation by women and a gender perspective in all United Nations peace and security efforts, and recognizes women’s potential role in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

The Security Council is expected to engage in dialogue on the Secretary-General’s report and its 12 recommendations during an open debate Friday, 7 August.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record