New Delhi has strongly condemned the use of conflict-related sexual violence as a weapon of war and terrorism, calling on the world to step up in a way that has a bearing on the protection of civilians and justice for survivors of conflict and to make war as well.
At the UN, India’s representative described conflict-related sexual violence as one of the most devastating consequences of war.
Such crimes are not isolated incidents but are often done deliberately, the country said, to stoke fear in society and to destabilize it.
India described these acts as a grave violation of human rights and international humanitarian law.
India said that women and girls still bear the brunt of armed conflicts and men and boys can also be victims of sexual violence.
The country said that protecting civilians, particularly vulnerable groups, should be a priority in armed conflicts and humanitarian crises.
The Indian delegation said that conflict-related sexual violence is increasingly being used as a weapon of choice by terrorist groups and armed forces as a propaganda weapon.
They also said that such conduct is meant to terrorize the population, force displacement and destroy the social fabric of the affected communities.
India said that the international community must not allow these crimes to go unpunished.
India called for more global cooperation, calling on all nations to enhance the legal framework, improve investigations and hold suspects accountable irrespective of their nationalities.
The country said that ending impunity will not only stop future atrocities but it will also help to restore the confidence of survivors.
India also stressed the need for a complete range of services to victims: medical support, psychological counseling, legal assistance, and rehabilitation.
Survivors, the delegation said, need dignity, protection and opportunities to rebuild a life without discrimination and stigma.
India also reaffirmed its commitment to the UN Charter and international humanitarian principles during the meeting.
In this regard, India called for better collaboration among governments, international bodies and civil society to combat gender-based violence in conflict situations.
The statement also said that better training of peacekeeping personnel and security forces would be needed to recognize, prevent and respond effectively to sexual violence.
India said that peacekeeping missions should take a survivor-centered approach as well as ensure accountability and respect for international law.
India reminded us that sustainable peace cannot exist without the safety and rights of women and vulnerable communities.
All member states of the delegation should work together to combat conflict-related sexual violence and to strengthen mechanisms for prevention, documentation and justice.
The issue is still very much a concern for the United Nations, a body that has repeatedly warned about the impact of conflict-related sexual violence on millions of people in war-torn regions.
India’s response is a testament to growing international action to combat these crimes through more aggressive legal action and more humanitarian assistance and coordination of global responses.
By characterizing sexual violence in conflict as a deliberate weapon of war and terrorism, India sent a signal that such violence will not be normalized or left to the imagination.
And it also called on the world to unite and put justice, survivors and the people of the world first to ensure that there is no compromise or failure.
