Pakistan Calls for Accountability on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence at UN Security Council

Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, addressed the UN Security Council's annual open debate on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, highlighting the use of sexual violence as a "weapon of war" in foreign occupations, including in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Indian-administered Kashmir. Ahmad emphasized the need for the international community to act decisively against such abuses and called for accountability for the perpetrators. He also drew attention to the recent UN reports highlighting rising militarization, displacement, and widespread sexual violence against civilians.

Key Takeaways:

• Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, warned that sexual violence is being used as a "weapon of war" under foreign occupations, including in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Indian-administered Kashmir.
• The international community must act decisively against such abuses and hold perpetrators accountable, as impunity only emboldens abuse.
• Thousands in Palestine are facing violence, forced displacement, and starvation at the hands of the occupying power, with incidents of rape, sexual violence, prolonged forced nudity, and repeated strip searches documented.
• Sexual violence has been systematically used by security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir to punish and intimidate those demanding self-determination.
• Pakistan calls for a comprehensive approach to addressing conflict-related sexual violence, including greater participation of women in peacebuilding, a survivor-centered approach, prioritization of situations of occupation, and action to address the root causes of unresolved conflicts.
• Pakistan has contributed to UN peacekeeping efforts, including deploying women peacekeepers who serve in some of the world's most dangerous conflict zones.

Statistics:

• 25 years have passed since the adoption of Resolution 1325, which recognizes the impact of armed conflict on women and the importance of their participation in peace processes.
• Thousands of people in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are subject to violence, forced displacement, and starvation.
• UN reports have documented incidents of rape, sexual violence, prolonged forced nudity, and repeated strip searches inflicted on civilians.
• Pakistani women peacekeepers serve in some of the world's most dangerous conflict zones.

Sources:

• United Nations Security Council's annual open debate on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
• Resolution 1325 (2000)