The Security Council held an Open Debate on “Sexual Violence in Conflict as a Tactic of War and Terrorism” on 15 May 2017. In her statement, H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the United Nations called for stronger victim protection systems, accountability, and cooperation with local communities to fight stigmatization, and presented the contributions of the Hungarian government in this regard.
Organised by the Permanent Mission of Uruguay, the open debate aimed at raising awareness on the issue of sexual violence in conflict as a tactic of war and terrorism, based on the findings and recommendations of the annual Report of the Secretary-General on this issue.
The Council, chaired by H.E. José Luis Cancela, Vice Foreign Minister of Uruguay, was debriefed by Deputy Secretary-General H.E. Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Under-Secretary-General/ Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict/Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Mr. Adama Dieng, and Founder and Executive Director of Women’s Refugee Route on behalf of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security Ms. Mina Jaf.
H.E. Ambassador Katalin Bogyay expressed serious concern about the ideological and strategic considerations of violent extremist and terrorist groups, and reminded of the long-term dramatic impact of sexual violence on survivors as well as communities. She underlined the critical contribution that accountability plays in breaking the conflict cycle, and presented the Hungarian Government’s support for UN Women and Justice Rapid Response in assigning gender advisers to assist in investigations.
Furthermore, Ms. Bogyay reminded of the complexity of policies to tackle sexual violence – from humanitarian to legal aid, from socio-economic reintegration and empowerment to participation in peacebuilding efforts, with special regard to fighting stigmatization hand-in-hand with local communities.
The Council was addressed by more than seventy Member States and Observers, giving an encouraging signal on the importance of addressing sexual violence in conflict internationally.
To read the full statement of the Ambassador, please click here.
