240423 UN Security Council: Debate on Women, Peace and Security - Preventing conflict-related sexual violence

UN SECURITY COUNCIL DEBATE ON WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY - PREVENTING CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE

23 April 2024

Statement by H.E. Mr James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations 

Thank you, President.

Australia thanks Malta for convening today’s Open Debate on this important issue. We also thank today’s briefers as well.

As another year passes, we continue to be appalled by the perpetration of sexual violence in conflict, and the disregard for human rights, international humanitarian law and the international rules-based system that is so apparent.

I would like to highlight the following key points:

First, the illicit proliferation, diversion, and misuse of arms contributes to sexual and gender-based violence.

As the Secretary-General has reported, approximately 70 to 90 per cent of conflict related sexual violence incidents involve small arms and light weapons. And women are disproportionately impacted.

To prevent this, integrating gender in arms control and disarmament is critical, and this should be reflected in our international instruments. 

For example, we welcome the fact that the Arms Trade Treaty compels States to assess the potential risks of exported or diverted arms being used to commit or facilitate acts of gender-based violence. 

Similarly, the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management encourages States to strengthen gender mainstreaming and the full, equal, meaningful and effective participation of women in conventional ammunition management.

We must also continue to integrate gender responsive approaches to curb the illicit transfer of small arms and light weapons.

This will be a priority at the upcoming Fourth Review Conference on the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.

Second, we must address deeply rooted gender inequalities and embrace the distinct experiences of women, men and persons of diverse gender identities.

Evidence shows that the inclusion, participation and leadership of women in conflict prevention and peace processes lead to better and more sustainable outcomes. 

That is why Australia is supporting the Southeast Asian Women Peace Mediators and the Pacific Women Mediator’s Network, to facilitate the participation of women mediators and negotiators in conflict prevention and peace processes in both regions. 

President,

In conclusion, Australia’s commitment to eliminating sexual violence in conflict is longstanding and consistent with our strong support for human rights, gender equality and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. 

We support the Secretary-General’s call on all parties to conflict to immediately cease all forms of conflict-related sexual violence, and we urge all Member States to do the same.

Thank you.