President
I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and my own country Norway.
We thank the briefers for their important contributions and for their tireless work, and Panama for convening this important meeting.
President,
As documented by the report, sexual violence continues to be used at scale against civilians during conflicts. This is unacceptable – and a crime according to international law.
Meanwhile, reduced UN capacity, financial constraints and a push back against gender equality risk undermining the international community’s ability to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence, including CRSV.
Women and girls, in all their diversity, continue to be disproportionately affected by CRSV. But men and boys are also victims of these atrocities. LGBTI people face particular risks.
We must retain a strong commitment to eliminate all types of gender-based violence, especially systematic conflict related sexual violence used as a method of warfare.
To tackle the underlying drivers, particularly entrenched gender inequality, we must ensure that women can participate safely, fully, and on equal terms in peace and security efforts at every stage and in every forum. Participation of women in de-escalation and mediation efforts is critical.
Community-based, women-led organisations and human rights defenders often serve as first-responders, and play a critical role in providing, and advocating for, humanitarian aid and services for survivors. Yet, they are frequently under-resourced and operate at a great personal risk.
President, in this context, the Nordic countries underline five priorities:
First, ensure that CRSV prevention and response measures are fully integrated and sustained during transitions and drawdowns in UN peace operations.
Second, promote cooperation between the Security Council and relevant regional organisations to ensure a zero-tolerance policy for all types of exploitation and address protection gaps.
Third, secure access to quality, lifesaving, multi-sectoral services for survivors – including medical care, mental health and psychosocial support, economic empowerment and access to justice – especially in light of shrinking humanitarian space. The sexual and reproductive rights of survivors must be promoted and protected.
Fourth, strengthen accountability by striving to investigate all cases, prosecute perpetrators at national and international levels, list persistent offenders, and include CRSV as a stand-alone designation criterion for targeted sanctions.
Lastly, promote and strengthen the protection of civilians and uphold human rights as a guiding principle throughout the ongoing UN-reform process.
Prioritizing the prevention of and response to sexual violence in conflict is integral to sustaining peace, fostering stability, and building societies grounded in dignity, equality and human rights.
Thank you.