Life of Guangzhou - Greater Efforts Urged to End Sexual Violence in Conflicts

United Nations Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon led a chorus of UN officials Thursday in calling for greater efforts to combat the "silent war" of sexual violence in conflicted areas.

"Violence against women has reached unspeakable and pandemic proportions in some societies attempting to recover from conflict, " Ban told a Security Council debate focusing on sexual violence in armed conflict.

The debate on women, peace and security was chaired by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice of the United States, which holds the rotating presidency of the 15-member body for June.

Ban called for leadership, comprehensive strategies and the involvement of everyone, from the UN and national governments to rape survivors and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in responding to the "silent war against women and girls."

Thursday's debate came after the launch in March by Ban of a global campaign to end violence against women, including the practice of sexual violence in armed conflict.

The UN chief announced Thursday that he will soon appoint a " Messenger of Peace tasked entirely with advocacy for ending violence against women."

Ban said he is bringing together a dozen UN entities in a concerted effort dubbed "UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict," involving experts on various issues, including peacekeeping, HIV/AIDS and human rights, to help stop rape and other sexual crimes in conflict-ridden countries.

Noting that the UN can act more forcefully when the Security Council adopts resolutions with strong language on sexual and gender-based violence, Ban called for all future mandates of UN operations to include clear provisions on protecting women and children in conflict.

He reiterated the commitment to a "zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation or abuse by our own personnel."

"This means zero complacency," Ban said. "It means zero impunity. When allegations are found to have merit, all personnel . .. are held accountable based on applicable national jurisdictions. "

He pledged to strengthen the code of conduct by "upholding the strictest discipline," whereby not only the individual concerned, but also supervisors up the chain of command, are held accountable in a system of collective responsibility.

Ban also urged greater involvement of women in conflict prevention, peace negotiations and recovery.

"By creating a culture that punishes violence and elevates women to their rightful role, we can lay the foundation for lasting stability, where women are not victims of violence, but agents of peace," the UN chief said.

Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro, who also spoke at the debate, pointed out that sexual violence has not only grave physical and psychological health consequences for its victims but also direct social consequences for communities and entire societies.

"Impunity for sexual violence committed during the conflict perpetuates a tolerance of abuse against women and girls and leaves a damaging legacy by hindering national reconciliation," she said.

She called for combined effort of all, including governments, the UN system, civil society organizations and NGOs, in tackling the complex problem.

UN General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim also stressed the need for stronger and more coordinated efforts to combat sexual violence against women.

"Clearly we all have to do more to prevent human rights violations against women and girls in situations of armed conflict, do more to punish the perpetrators, and end the impunity of war crimes violators," Kerim said.

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