Warning that rape is being used as a weapon of war with the same efficient brutality as a gun or a grenade, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on the Security Council to set up an independent commission of inquiry into such abuses in the conflicts in Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Sudan.
Such a panel, supported by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, should recommend to the Council "the most effective mechanisms to ensure accountability for these egregious crimes," he told the 15-member body at the start of a day-long debate on women and peace and security.
"Despite some progress over two decades, the deliberate targeting of civilians through acts of sexual violence continues on a widespread and systematic basis," Mr. Ban declared, also citing abuses perpetrated by the rebel Ugandan Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in Sudan, Central African Republic, Uganda and the DRC.
"Parties to armed conflict continue to use sexual violence with efficient brutality. Like a grenade or a gun, sexual violence is part of their arsenal to pursue military, political, social and economic aims. The perpetrators generally operate with impunity."
The session, in which 45 Member States are scheduled to speak, follows a report to the Council on the issue last month in which Mr. Ban called on States to strengthen prevention and protection measures against the crime.
Today he recalled his meetings with victims of sexual violence. "I am haunted by their testimony, and I will not relent in calling on States and non-State parties to prevent these terrible crimes," he said, adding that such abuse hurts recovery and peacebuilding in countries such as Burundi, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, where the fighting may have ended but sexual violence persists on a very serious scale.
He said the UN needed to fashion a multi-sectoral response to the scourge, address the issue from planning to implementation of its mandates, create a UN institution to advance gender equality and women's human rights, and improve monitoring and investigation to overcome the hurdles faced in reporting on sexual violence.
"I am also in discussions with UN System partners on appointing a new senior system-wide official to address sexual violence," he added.
"Victims of sexual violence are among the world's most vulnerable and traumatized people. For the sake of these innocent women and men, their families and their societies, we must come together and act. That will help victims and war-torn countries and set our world on a course for a better future," he concluded.
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This crime of rape is beyond terrible. All african leaders should hold anyone accountable with death for the crime of rape! Forty years ago a crime like this would have been dealt with swiftly by the tribal elders and other government officials. Women and children and men are now the victims of this hateful act aganist humanity. This is one of the worst weapons of war thinkable. To rape it to kill the soul of a living person. The muslims who know that other muslim women, children and men are being raped by their brothers should be ashamed! Allah wants his people to be protected from this evil act. In the Sudan where Bashir states there is no rape happening knows he is a liar! He is an arab and does not care about the black africans all he wants is there land. The Arab nations should be ashamed because they allow this to happen to arab and muslim women and children. The ICC should make a law regarding the act of rape during war is automatic death! The rape of an innocent life is appauling to say the least. What is the matter with the leaders in Africa. Khaddifi should lead the charge aganist this awful crime. Since he wants to be the king of all kings or chief of all chiefs in africa. Then he should do something to help protect the helpless people of africa, the women and children. The Quran and the Bible talks about the precious ones God's own, his children. Now more child soliders ever. Any country that uses children as soliders should be sanctioned! Where are the real men in Africa! Obama was right about what he said at the summit. These greedy selfish men should be ashamed of themselves. They have robbed their own countries blind and worse. The criminal enterprises that is a daily accourance in africa needs to stop. Help your people to elevate themselves and stop the madness. Stop blaming other countries for the problems the are home grown. Rape is a horrible weapon to use period. May God make known all the rapest and my God see to there just punishment.
The Gate Keeper
Very Good writing poing; but Bashir and Ghadafi, though their religion is Muslim or Arab:They are both BLACKS. The cause of these terrible trend that's happening in Africa is because of those evil outsiders intervention for Africa Resources - nothing else!!! Some of these Africans who are participating in these dreadful behaviour MUST need to know who are they themselves, and whole heartedly they must know how to cooperate with their brothers and sisters in Africa. They should stop listening to outside instigators who are ruin their mind, brains, body and soul. If those said instigators are gone tomorrow, who are there to protect them; please let them learn from past histories and read it very carefully!!!.