The end against sexual violence in conflict has been the subject of an open debate at the United Nations Security Council.
Cyprus was represented by the Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the UN, Ambassador Andreas Hadjichrysanthou.
In his speech, Hadjichrysanthou said that sexual violence as a weapon of war is a worrying phenomenon and can not be considered an inevitable consequence of armed conflict.
“History has shown, as in the case of Cyprus, which experienced first-hand the horror of sexual violence in conflict situations, that the role of women is important in preventing and resolving conflicts, reconciliation and achieving a lasting peace,” said Hadjichrysanthou.
He also added that Cyprus attaches great importance to the elimination of all forms of gender-based violence and has taken important steps to eliminate gender-based violence, promote equality and the empowerment of women through the development of National Action Plans and Strategies.
Hadjichrysanthou underlined the crucial role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts as well as the need for their full, equal and effective participation in all efforts to maintain peace and security.
“Sexual violence in times of conflict is a serious violation of human rights and a threat to international peace and security, and addressing its root causes is not just a moral imperative but an urgent need,” he noted.
“The pandemic further strengthened gender inequality, which is the root cause of sexual violence in both conflict and peacetime,” he concluded.
Source: Cyprus News Agency