Vietnam holds the view that the most effective way to protect women and girls from sexual violence, including sexual violence in armed conflict, is to empower women and girls, help them understand their fundamental rights and raise their awareness and capacity to protect themselves.

Vietnam holds the view that the most effective way to protect women and girls from sexual violence is to empower women and girls

At a UN Security Council’s debate on Women, Peace and Security: Sexual Violence in Situations of Armed Conflict, held in New York on June 19, Ambassador Le Luong Minh, Vietnam Permanent Representative expressed his deeply concern about the grave sexual violence in many conflict areas, and called for measures to prevent and put an end to such acts, adding that their consequences are not only women and girls personal suffering but very often also adverse impacts on their families, whole communities and the post-conflict reconstruction processes.

He went on to say, “As sexual violence, including sexual violence in armed conflict situations, has been a major topic intensively debated at other pertinent U.N. bodies, it is important to enhance the efficiency of existing mechanisms and improve coordination and cooperation between the Security Council and these bodies while avoiding duplication of their work.”

He said that any new mechanism to be established should be given careful consideration so as not to create unnecessary administrative and financial burdens for Member States and the U.N. agencies.

While emphasising that State bears the primary responsibility to protect their own civilians and deal with violence against them, including sexual violence, the Ambassador expressed support for the recommendation contained in the draft resolution presented for adoption by the Council that the Secretary-General develop and implement appropriate training programmes for all peacekeeping and humanitarian personnel deployed by the United Nations to help them better prevent, recognise and respond to sexual violence and other forms of violence against civilians.

“This and the empowerment of women and girls are essential measures of prevention, which is always more effective and less costly than cure,” he said in conclusion.

(Source: VNA)

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