UN special representative for sexual violence calls for end to impunities against women

In combating sexual violence in conflict areas, there needs to be a more systematic approach in finding solutions to end the impunities against women, the UN secretary-general's newly appointed special representative for sexual violence in conflict said here Tuesday.

"We can fight this crime more effectively," said Margot Wallstrom, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's special representative for sexual violence in conflict, at a press conference here at the UN Headquarters in New York.

"I will find methods to end impunity," she said.

Calling it a "tough task," Wallstrom noted that prioritization and a strategic approach to end sexual violence go hand in hand where she said that that in hotspots, such as in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), this needs to be especially considered.

"We will have to prioritize," Wallstrom said.

It is important to "create a political ownership" in the different areas of war and conflict where it is crucial to build advocacy towards empowering women, she said.

Also at the press conference here Tuesday, UN Deputy Secretary- General Asha Rose Migiro called Walstrom's appointment a "clear demonstration of international resolve" towards the protection of civilians subject to sexual violence in armed conflict and post- conflict.

Describing it as a "crime that too often goes too undetected," she said it was a top priority for the UN secretary-general.

Last September, the UN Security Council adopted a milestone resolution which called for an end to sexual violence in armed conflict. The 15-member Council also called on Ban to appoint a special representative to provide coherent and strategic leadership to address sexual violence in armed conflict.

Source: Xinhua