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- Ελληνικά
New York, 14 July 2023
The Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the UN, Ambassador Andreas Hadjichrysanthou, represented the Republic of Cyprus at the open debate of the UN Security Council (UNSC) on 14 July 2023, chaired by the United Kingdom, on "Sexual violence associated with armed conflict: Promoting the implementation of Security Council resolutions on sexual violence associated with armed conflict".
In his intervention, Mr. Hadjichrysanthou reiterated the strong condemnation of the Republic of Cyprus to all forms of gender-based violence, on and off the internet, including all acts of sexual violence against civilians in armed conflict. The Permanent Representative noted that despite the progress made since the unanimous adoption of Security Council Resolution 1820 in 2008, the heinous crime of sexual violence associated with armed conflict continues and in many cases impunity unfortunately prevails, with victims and survivors awaiting justice and reparations.
Mr. Hadjichrysanthou expressed the Republic of Cyprus' concern about the increasing use of sexual violence as a tactic of war, torture and terrorism, as well as concern about the seriousness and brutality of such incidents and the fact that these incidents often go unreported. He noted that such heinous crimes may also be promoted online, expressing concern about the digital gender gap, which disproportionately affects women and girls. He reiterated the position of the Republic of Cyprus that rape and all forms of sexual violence constitute a potential war crime, a crime against humanity or an act related to genocide, stressing that sexual violence related to armed conflict is a matter of peace and security, but also an obstacle to the achievement of peace. Therefore, concrete responses, both operationally and in terms of policymaking, are absolutely necessary.
The Permanent Representative stated that these heinous crimes should not go unaddressed, nor should they be dealt with in isolation. The Republic of Cyprus, like other States, calls on all parties to armed conflict, including non-State armed groups, to immediately cease all acts of sexual violence against civilians and to implement action plans to prevent and respond to sexual violence, in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law. It underlined the crucial importance of prosecution and accountability to ensure peace and the need to strengthen legal processes at national, regional and international levels to ensure, on the basis of law, protection and access to justice for all victims, in particular women and girls.
In his statement, the Permanent Representative particularly emphasized the collective responsibility to address impunity and noted that the international community has an obligation to ensure accountability for such crimes when State institutions are unable or unwilling to do so. He stated that the Security Council must use all means and tools at its disposal to support action against sexual violence associated with armed conflict.
Hatzichrysanthou referred to the need for all actions and activities against sexual violence associated with armed conflict to be survivor-led. He noted in particular that survivors, victims and their families are not a homogeneous group, but have different needs to address the trauma they experience, including the need to access medical care, treatment and psychosocial support.
The Permanent Representative stressed that Cyprus, as a State that has experienced this form of sexual violence atrocities, attaches great importance to the elimination of all forms of gender-based violence and supports calls to accelerate all efforts to eradicate it. In this context, the Republic of Cyprus has developed action plans and strategies for gender equality, including legislative measures, aimed at highlighting and promoting the positive role that women have to play as agents of positive change. It noted the urgent need to address the root causes of sexual violence in conflict settings, as well as gender-based violence in general, which are rooted in historical inequalities. Therefore, the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all efforts to maintain peace and security is essential.
In conclusion, the Permanent Representative reiterated the commitment of the Republic of Cyprus to continue to work with the international community to strengthen the global response to sexual violence associated with armed conflict, with the ultimate goal of empowering and protecting all individuals.
For the full text of Mr. Hadjichrysanthos' intervention click here.
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