“Sexual Violence is not a UN Issue” UNSRSG Zainab Bangura
The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General on sexual violence in conflict, Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura has said “it is the primary moral and legal responsibility of countries to protect their citizens from sexual violence. (Photo: L- DRC Ambassador,SRSG Zainab Bangura,Congress Woman Karen Bass, Congresswoman–Ambassador Johnnie Carson, Marcelo Giugale World Bank’s , Director for Poverty Reduction and Economic Management for the Africa Region)
“As a voice and global advocate for women, children and men who are victims of these crimes, one of my roles is to mobilize political leadership to address this issue. “I place particular emphasis on national ownership, leadership and responsibility because I think this is not a United Nations issue; it is the primary moral and legal responsibility of countries to protect their citizens and they must lead this fight from the front.” Said Mrs. Bangura.
The UNSRSG said the United Nations serve as a voice and global advocate for women, children and men who are victims of these crimes. “My office coordinates United Nations and global efforts and leads the international response.”
Speaking as a panelist at the United States Congress (Rayburn Building), during a roundtable discussion together with Hon. Karen Bass-Ranking member United States House Sub- committee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights, United States Assistant Secretary of State African Affairs Ambassador Johnnie Carson, World Bank’s Marcelo Giugale –Director for Poverty Reduction and Economic Management for the Africa Region, Nancy Lindborg USAID Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Democracy and other distinguished personalities, Mrs. Zainab Bangura credited the United States Government for being a resolute and steadfast champion of this cause(fight against Sexual Violence In Conflict) and made it categorically clear that “sexual violence in conflict is a fundamental peace and security issue which requires an operational security response.
She cited United Nations Security Council resolutions 1820, 1888 and 1960 sponsored by the United States and said they (resolutions 1820, 1888 &1960) have set the path to prevention.
Through resolution 1960, we have new and sharp –edged tools to enforce compliance to enable a shift of the stigma of sexual violence from the victims to the perpetrators. ”this focus on breaking impunity is one of my central priorities and a crucial aspect of deterrence and prevention.
Even though sexual violence remains vastly under-reported, Mrs. Bangura said they are beginning to better understand the phenomenon and some of the key related thematic issues. She said this year’s Secretary General’s report covers twenty two (22) situations of concern; conflict, post conflict and situations of political strife. “We are increasingly seeing Sexual Violence as part of the repertoire of violence in conflict situations and in the context of contested elections such as seen in Kenya, Guinea and Cote d Ivoire- and in the context of political strife in Egypt, Libya, and Syria.
Harrowing stories were told by the Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan to the United States of America, Ambassador of the Republic of Congo to the United States of America, three ladies representing the Voices of Sudan, Farah Council- Institute for Inclusive Security and Professor Elavie Ndura of the George Mason University.
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2013, https:. All rights reserved.
