Look Who it Was Random video

"I intend to keep my word" (Susan Rice on sexual violence)

354 views · Published 7 August 2009 · 1:25 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: United Nations · 2009 · News & Politics

Watch on YouTube

United Nations, New York, 7 August 2009 -  A report (document S/2009/362) issued by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon paints a disturbing picture of sexual violence used against civilians in armed conflicts and their aftermath.

The report also outlines the responsibility of States and other parties in relation to sexual violence, and areas in need of priority attention if progress is to be made in preventing and responding to sexual violence.  It highlights actions being taken by Governments, the United Nations system and non-governmental organizations to address the issue and outlines a way forward for the Security Council in combating sexual violence.

The Security Council is engaging in a dialogue on the Secretary-General's report and its 12 recommendations. 

Introducing his report, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that, despite some progress over two decades, the deliberate targeting of civilians through acts of sexual violence continued on a widespread and systematic basis.

H.E. Ms. Susan Rice, Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations said she had had an opportunity to speak to some victims of sexual violence in situations of conflict, who had asked, with tears in their eyes, that an end be put to such crimes.  We must end these atrocities, we must better protect women and girls, and halt the impunity that perpetrators enjoy, she said.  It was necessary to identify and punish the perpetrators, increase sexual awareness training and provide treatment to survivors of rape and abuse.  At the same time, it was important to collect more data and share information on the matter.  The report before the Council contained some useful recommendations.  She urged the Council to consider them seriously and act on them quickly.  International accountability mechanisms should be considered, especially in countries unable to effectively carry out justice.

Press Release: 
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2009/sc9726.doc.htm

Read the statement of the Secretary-General:
http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4012

Read the report of the Secretary-General (document S/2009/362) (pdf):
http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/2009/362&Lang=E

UN Secreatry-General's campaign to end violence against women website:
http://endviolence.un.org/

Department of Peacekeeping operations website:
http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/dpko/dpko.shtml

More from this channel