Statement by Ambassador Trishala Persaud, Deputy Permanent Representative of Guyana at Security Council Open Debate on the theme: ‘Preventing conflict-related sexual violence through demilitarization and gender-responsive arms control’
Mr. President
I thank SRSG Pramila Patten, UN Goodwill Ambassador Ms. Danai Gurira and Ms. Niemat Ahmadi for their briefings.
The recent report of the Secretary General on conflict related sexual violence has again highlighted that the illicit flow and widespread availability of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition are directly facilitating incidents of conflict related sexual violence and fostering an environment conducive to the perpetration of such violence. CRSV continues to be used by State and non-State actors as a tactic of war, a tool of torture, and a means of asserting power and dominance, with devastating consequences for victims and survivors, their families, and communities.
While women and girls are the vast majority of those affected by CRSV, they continue to be excluded from key decision-making on matters of peace and security. Guyana underscores the importance of women’s full, equal and meaningful participation, including in decision-making, at all levels of political and peacebuilding processes, as well as in disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control efforts.
The Security Council and regional organizations must intensify efforts in cross-leveraging disarmament frameworks with UN mechanisms and tools, particularly in the lead up to the 4th Review Conference on the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons. Integration of gender perspectives in disarmament discussions can significantly bolster CRSV prevention, ensuring that the solutions are both comprehensive and effective.
The Security Council should utilize all of the tools at its disposal to address CRSV. Mandate authorizations and renewals of peace operations should include operational provisions as well as arms control and disarmament measures aimed at preventing and responding to CRSV. With the accelerated drawdown of some peace operations, it is necessary to sustain monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements, and engagement with parties on CRSV. In this regard, we recognize the critical contribution of women’s protection advisers.
We also emphasize the indispensability of sustaining investments in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) and in security sector reform (SSR) during transitions and Mission drawdowns. Maintaining these investments is crucial for the protection of civilians from CRSV and for preventing its reoccurrence. Continuous support and capacity-building for national and local institutions are vital in ensuring that gains are not transient, but that there is firm foundation for development, equality and accountability.
To mitigate the risks that arms transfers and illicit weapon proliferation pose to CRSV, robust international cooperation and adherence to the Arms Trade Treaty are necessary. States parties must comply with their obligation under article 7.4 of the Arms Trade Treaty to comprehensively assess the potential risks of whether arms could be used to commit or facilitate serious acts of gender-based violence, prior to authorizing the export of arms. Effective risk assessment under the treaty will require systematic data collection and disaggregation.
It is also crucial to combat impunity and its emboldening effect on perpetrators by promoting accountability. Sexual violence crimes must be excluded from amnesty and immunity provisions. The Council must continue to insist that State and non-State parties to conflicts adopt time-bound commitments to prevent and address CRSV, and for compliance with these commitments to be monitored. There is also need to strengthen linkages between the parties listed in the Secretary General’s annual reports on CRSV and sanctions designations. Sexual and gender-based violence should be a stand-alone designation criterion for applying sanctions to persistent perpetrators.
In closing, Mr. President, Guyana reaffirms its commitment to the WPS agenda and to eliminating conflict-related sexual violence through concerted demilitarization and gender-responsive arms control measures. Only through collective action, sustained investment, promotion of gender equality and the full integration of women in all decision-making processes can we achieve peace and security for all nations and their citizens.
I thank you
