STATEMENT AT THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON
THE AGENDA ITEM: NEW YORK, 19 JUNE 2008
Today, thousands of women continue to suffer sexual violence in situations of armed conflict, in violation of human rights and international humanitarian laws. In violation, indeed, of our conscience, and our dignity. These practices, willful or wanton, horrify and bring us pause. They must be stopped. We are grateful, therefore, to the delegation of the United States for convening the debate on this critical topic. And, we are pleased that the Secretary of State, presided over this very important meeting. We deeply appreciate also the leadership of the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General on the issue. Mr. President, This meeting serves not merely as a forum to condemn various forms of violence against women in armed conflicts. It is also more than a showcase of the strength and indestructibility of our convictions to end impunity and protect women in situations of armed conflicts. This meeting is, first and foremost, about fulfilling the full potential of women in times of peace and war. It is from this broad perspective that Indonesia sees this meeting. All states, all societies have common interests; common core values; common objectives that women should and must be protected at all times; including in situations of armed conflict. It is thus imperative that we, the international community, tackle these crimes with vigor and iron determination. No light of ambiguity should be shed to end these atrocities. Indonesia believes that the international community has to continue to develop and implement various comprehensive strategies to address this issue. Mr. President, Our goal should not only be to arrest, but to eradicate these crimes- to truly make them obsolete. Mr. President, Rape and sexual violence are indisputably violations of the laws of war and a war crime under international humanitarian law. But another problem that women face as survivors of sexual violence, are the barriers to achieving justice through the courts or through more informal, community-based mechanisms. Many survivors face a great deal of exclusion in their communities if they reveal the sufferings they have endured in public. Women victims are frequently shunned and ostracized. Furthermore, the judicial systems in many armed conflict areas are far from well functioning due to structural inadequacy. Thus, the legal capacity of national and local governments to act swiftly when reports or warnings come in, must be strengthened.. The judiciary plays the critical role of bringing to justice the perpetrators of sexual crime in armed conflict and in ensuring reparations for the victims. Security and police sector institutions play an important role in responding to sexual violence in armed conflict. Police sector reform should be considered in places where sexual violence is prevalent, including an assessment of how police services can best assist victims, prevent, and investigate these crimes; as well as how police officers themselves can be made more gender-sensitive, regulated and punished for engaging in these types of crimes. Mr. President, Peacekeepers also play an important role in protecting women and girls from sexual violence where they serve. More women should play key roles, including as military observers, civilian police, Envoys, and Special Representatives of the Secretary-General. Many survivors of sexual violence suffer from grave long-term psychological and physical health consequences, even once the brutality is over. There is a great need for adequate medical services to meet the needs of this population. The greater UN system has to target the needs of women for health care and treatment, as well as other indicators of development that not only help to treat victims, but also serves a preventive role in the worsening of the conflict and its ill effects on women. Identifying the perpetrators is also essential in order to shift the balance from victims living in shame, to the perpetrators doing so. For this, it is crucial as a part of a comprehensive attack against these heinous crimes, to conduct wide public campaign awareness by UN missions in their respective mandate. Mr. President, the protection of women in armed conflict must be further strengthened. That much is clear. Ultimately, however, our aim should be the prevention of armed conflict itself. It is the role that the Security Council, in cooperation with regional organizations, should play in promoting the prevention of conflicts and in the maintenance of international peace and security. Thank you.
|
