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25 April, New York. „Sexual violence is used as a tactic and weapon of war and impunity prevails. The only way to effectively address this scourge is a comprehensive and integrated approach which entails prevention, early warning, justice and accountability, participation of women in political processes and economic empowerment”, - said Ms. Rita Kazragienė, Deputy Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the United Nations in Security Council open debate on Conflict-related Sexual Violence.

Lithuania’s representative stressed that the key priority in combating sexual violence and ensuring accountability is ensuring national commitment to the matter. “Our toolbox is full of useful instruments but now it’s time to take matters into our hands, consolidate our actions on the ground and deliver – together and in close cooperation with all humanitarian, diplomatic, justice, security, civil society actors”, noted Ms. Kazragienė.

Lithuania’s representative further stressed that as the Security Council continues to horizontally integrate the issues of sexual violence into its work, relevant sanctions committees must review their listing and de-listing guidelines, add sexual violence to list of criteria and harmonize designation criteria for listed individuals by including any relevant charges from international justice mechanisms. The Council should also actively consider other means to ensure accountability such as a referral to the International Criminal Court, special tribunals, and commissions of inquiry. In the statement Ms. Kazragienė also noted the importance of care for and protection of survivors of sexual violence as it is vital to fight stigmatization and reprisals as well as to prevent violence and impunity in the future.

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zainab Bangura and Rhoda Misaka, a civil society representative from South Sudan, attended the open debate and briefed the Council members.