UNITED NATIONS, July 9 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy said Wednesday that the restoration of peace and stability is essential to eliminating conflict-related sexual violence.
The use of sexual violence as a tactic of war and terrorism constitutes a grave violation of relevant Security Council resolutions and international law, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.
Reaffirming China's condemnation of all forms of conflict-related sexual violence, Fu said that restoring peace and stability is the foremost prerequisite for eliminating it.
"Social instability and the absence of the rule of law resulting from conflict create a breeding ground for sexual violence. Only through peace and stability can sexual violence be curbed at its source and a conducive environment be created for justice and assistance," Fu told a Security Council open debate on conflict-related sexual violence.
Conflict-related sexual violence violates the most fundamental humanitarian principles and challenges the conscience of humanity. Addressing this issue requires the international community to uphold objectivity and impartiality, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and avoid using the issue to make accusations, fuel confrontation, or politicize and instrumentalize it, said Fu.
Turning to long-term solutions, Fu noted that women play an indispensable role in promoting peace and development as both participants and contributors. He said that eliminating conflict-related sexual violence requires not only holding perpetrators accountable, but also adopting a long-term approach by empowering women, eliminating gender discrimination, and expanding women's and girls' access to education, employment, and opportunities for socioeconomic participation, thereby strengthening their capacity for self-protection and development.
The countries concerned bear the primary responsibility for preventing and combating sexual violence and protecting women and children. The international community should earnestly respect the sovereignty and leadership of the countries concerned, assist them in building their capacity in security and the rule of law, and ensure justice and protection for victims, said Fu.
The international community should increase investment in development, bridge the development divide, and support women, children and other vulnerable people in sharing the fruits of development, thus laying a solid foundation for lasting peace and sustainable development, he said.
As a responsible major country and an active advocate for the global cause of women, China stands ready to work with all member states to make greater contributions to eliminating conflict-related sexual violence and maintaining international peace and security, he said.
Fu also called on the international community to adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism, strengthen international counter-terrorism cooperation and resolutely combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. ■
