Statement by the Republic of Latvia on behalf of the Republic of Estonia and the Republic of Lithuania
UN Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict
14 July 2023
Mister President,
On behalf of the Baltic countries - Estonia, Lithuania, and my own country Latvia - I extend my gratitude to the United Kingdom for organizing this open debate and to the distinguished briefers for their presentations.
Mister President,
As we reflect upon the previous year, we see that sexual violence persisted as a cruel weapon of war, torture, and terrorism in various regions, including in Myanmar, Syria, Libya, and Iran, where it was employed to intimidate and punish political opponents. Displaced women and girls in Mozambique, the DRC, Somalia, and Sudan fell victim to sexual assault by armed individuals in and around displacement sites.
The Baltic States commend the UN’s tireless efforts in addressing these horrific situations. We appreciate the work of the UN inter-agency network - Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict - for their initiatives providing crucial support to survivors, including medical, psychological, legal, and socio-economic assistance. A notable example is the project implemented in conflict-free mining sites in the DRC.
We also express our appreciation to the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict for their contributions in strengthening the rule of law institutions. Their efforts, including assisting Guinean authorities in establishing an ad hoc tribunal, deserve recognition.
Mister President,
Unfortunately, conflict-related sexual violence is also part of the full-scale war of aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Since February 24 of last year, the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine documented 125 cases of conflict-related sexual violence, affecting civilians and prisoners of war, while the real number is even higher.
These heinous acts committed by the Russia’s armed forces and groups as a tactic of war included torture methods such as electrocution, beatings, burns, forced nudity, and rape, including gang rape. The victims ranged from young children to the elderly, with perpetrators even raping women and girls in front of their family members. Moreover, Russia's attacks on hospitals hindered access to services for managing the aftermath of sexual violence.
It is horrendous that a Permanent Member of this esteemed Council is responsible for these crimes and continues to commit atrocities on a daily basis. Furthermore, the Russian Federation seeks to stifle the United Nations' voice and actions through its veto powers.
Yet, the international community refuse to be silenced. The General Assembly recognized the need to hold the Russian Federation accountable and to establish an international mechanism for reparations. This May, the Register of Damage under the Council of Europe was established, signifying steps towards justice for Ukraine. We look forward to the Ministers of Justice meeting of the Council of Europe in Riga, Latvia in September to continue implementing the Register of Damage.
In conclusion, we express our appreciation for the Special Representative's tireless work. We assure our unwavering support for her and for anyone dedicated to preventing sexual violence, assisting survivors, and ensuring accountability for the perpetrators both in Ukraine and elsewhere.
I thank you.