Statement of Minister Hasani, at the Security Council Arria-formula meeting on “Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence”

Colleagues,

I thank the briefers for their accounts and the information provided today. It is always sobering for us to hear from you today as first-hand attestant of such despicable criminal acts.

I also wish to express my profound appreciation to the President of the Republic of Kosova, Her Excellency Ms. Vjosa Osmani, for graciously accepting our invitation and offering an exemplary model for identifying, documenting, and addressing cases of conflict-related sexual violence, particularly in the context of providing redress and reparations to survivors.

Kosova's efforts in this regard stand as a good example for the world, offering valuable lessons and inspiration.

Colleagues,

Conflict-related sexual violence has a dehumanizing nature. It doesn't just harm a single individual or a single family or even a single group. It negatively affects and endangers families and communities, erodes social and political stability, and undermines economic progress and reconciliation.

Conflict-related sexual violence is a war crime and a core security challenge.

Over the years, the Council has passed several resolutions condemning sexual violence in conflict and emphasizing the need for accountability. Yet despite a robust normative framework, conflict-related sexual violence against women and girls has not diminished; in fact, it has escalated. Sexual violence continues to be used as a tactic of war and terror to punish civilians and terrorize communities.

In Ukraine, reports of women and girls raped by the Russian aggressors remain a painful and appalling testimony of the usage of sexual violence as a tactic of war and its destructive force in society.

In Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Somalia, Syria, Libya, and Yemen women continue to be objects of different forms of conflict-related sexual violence.

Despite clear condemnations and calls for prosecution, many individuals responsible for sexual violence continue to evade justice. This impunity perpetuates a culture of violence and undermines efforts to eradicate this scourge comprehensively.

In this respect, we must also think of those innocent women that are abducted by the terrorists of Hamas, held somewhere in Gaza under appalling conditions. We call for their immediate and unconditional release.

Colleagues

Coming from a region that, not too long ago, bore witness to major conflicts and immense human suffering, a somber reality echoed in the reports we've received today.

Conflict-related sexual violence represents a grave violation of our shared humanity, and it must not, and shall not, be tolerated as an inevitable byproduct of warfare. The staggering prevalence of such heinous acts, with Kosovo alone estimating that over 20,000 women and girls have endured sexual violence, has left deep and lasting scars.

Left unaddressed, these wounds have the potential to obstruct reconciliation efforts and the restoration of lasting peace and security.

For these compelling reasons, Albania remains steadfast in its commitment to advocate for the voices of survivors to be heard, for the perpetrators to be held accountable, and, ultimately, for justice to serve as the bedrock upon which we can construct a peace that endures through time.

Colleagues,

The lack of accountability and recognition of such crimes remains a devastating legacy of all brutal conflicts everywhere in the world. If we want to properly prevent and respond to these horrible crimes, we need to do more in three main areas:

First, we must prioritize prevention and accountability. Conflict Related Sexual Violence is preventable and punishable! There is a direct link between impunity and the persistence of Conflict Related Sexual Violence. Ensuring accountability and putting an end to impunity for violations and abuses must be a priority for all of us, both inside and outside the Council. The message should be clear: No one who has promoted, used, or planned the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war will ever escape justice.

Second, member states must strengthen their national legal frameworks to effectively criminalize Conflict Related Sexual Violence and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Domestic laws should be aligned with international standards, enabling national courts to prosecute perpetrators swiftly and fairly.

Third, redress and reparations of victims: Our efforts to address these heinous crimes must follow a survivor-centered approach, as outlined in Security Council resolution 2467, to support victims to become survivors who are empowered to engage in political life and decision-making survivor-centered responses to those crimes. They should be assisted in every possible way, in a timely manner.

Colleagues,

It is time for all of us to assume our responsibility to go beyond condemning this behavior, to taking concrete steps to prevent violence, protect individuals, punish perpetrators, and provide redress to victims.

Our commitment to preventing and responding to Conflict Related Sexual Violence is unwavering, and we will continue to strive towards promoting gender equality, justice, and safety for all individuals affected by conflict-related sexual violence.

Thank you!

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