Statement by Mr Oyama Mgobozi at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security - Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict through Empowerment, Gender Equality and Access to Justice
16 April 2018
Mr President,
Allow me to congratulate you and the Peruvian delegation for assuming the Presidency of the Security Council for the month of April. Furthermore, we would like to extend our appreciation to you for organising this open debate on the very important topic of sexual violence in conflict. I would also like to thank Ms Pramila Patten and Ms Sultana for their statements.
Mr President,
South Africa welcomes the Secretary-General’s leadership on conflict prevention and sustaining peace and notes that the effective implementation of the woman, peace and security agenda directly contributes to these objectives. My delegation also welcomes the Secretary-General’s Report on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and notes its content.
Of all the evils that occur during a conflict, systemic and widespread sexual violence remains one of the most despicable. This instrument of war, is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights. We call on all parties to fully support the survivors of these atrocious acts and strongly condemn the use of sexual violence in all its forms, as a tactic of war and terrorism and as an instrument of torture.
Women and girls continue to be disproportionately affected by conflict situations, especially with regard to sexual abuse and violence. The lives of survivors of sexual violence are changed forever; with many survivors bearing not only the physical scars but also the hidden trauma and unwarranted stigma as a result of these acts. The use of sexual violence as an instrument of war destroys families and communities with the ultimate goal being to divide, dominate and control society. Ending this evil scourge, addressing the resulting trauma and holding those responsible for committing these heinous acts accountable is integral to the reconciliation and peace building process. Therefore, my delegation calls on all parties in conflict zones to create and implement commitments to combat sexual violence, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2106 (2013) on sexual violence in conflict.
Mr President,
We must all do more to prevent sexual violence in conflict and in this regard we encourage the Security Council to give strong consideration to addressing the risk factors and early-warning signs of systemic sexual violence.
South Africa believes that in that this can be achieved through the inclusion of a greater number of women peacekeepers deployed, particularly Women Protection Advisors, in peacekeeping missions and call on Member States to support the inclusion of such posts in the mandates and budgets of peacekeeping operations. In this regard, South Africa has one of the largest contingent of women peacekeepers deployed in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions. The contribution of women to peacekeeping and peace-making efforts is recognized as a contributing factor to the effectiveness and long-term success of United Nations deployments.
Allowing women to talk to women about their experiences creates a more conducive and safe environment for women to communicate their immediate protection concerns, including the reporting of instances of sexual abuse and their overall perspectives on the security situation. The ability to speak freely contributes to the empowerment of women in conflict situations, which in turn provides space for women to contribute to and participate in the peace-building and reconciliation process.
Access to justice and legal recourse for cases of sexual violence is another essential component of the peace-building and reconciliation process. Without perpetrators having to face the consequences for their actions, there can be not justice for the survivors of sexual violence and there can be no peace without justice.
Mr President,
Sexual abuse and discrimination are inextricably linked to gender inequality, poverty, exclusion and marginalization. My delegation believes that we need to directly address these contributors to conflict, including the promotion of gender equality and greater participation of women in all forms of mediation, post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding processes, if we are ever going to tackle these root causes of conflict. Women’s voices must be prominent during peace negotiations and conflict resolution processes, to ensure that all those affected by conflict, especially those who are the most vulnerable, namely women and girls, are given an opportunity to play an active role in changing their environments.
In this regard, the necessary legal frameworks need to be strengthening to address all forms of discrimination against women, including with respect to land ownership, access to economic opportunities, employment, education and health care, which are all essential components of an inclusive, open and peaceful society.
In conclusion, Mr President
South Africa continues to prioritize participation of women in peace and security, particularly through training programmes on mediation, dialogue and conflict resolution. We remain committed to addressing the scourge of conflict-related sexual violence in all its forms, and will work vigorously towards a non-discriminatory and non-sexist global society in which all women and girls are treated as equal citizens. The end of discrimination against women will go a long way towards addressing the root causes of sexual violence
I thank you.
Rev. Thursday, 26-Jul-2018 11:31 AM