Statement by H.E. Ms. Besiana Kadare, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Albania to the United Nations, at the Security Council Open Debate on Women and Peace and Security: sexual violence in conflict

Mr. President,

Albania aligns itself with the statement of the European Union, and I wish to add the following remarks in my national capacity.

I would like to thank Germany for their leadership on the Women, Peace and Security agenda and for convening this important debate. I would also like to thank the briefers from civil society, who bring the reality on the ground perspective in this Chamber.

Conflict-related sexual violence is a grave human rights violation and a security challenge. It certainly is as destructive as any weapon. It inflicts unimaginable suffering, it endangers families and communities, and it erodes social and political stability. In the pervasive way in which it impedes reconciliation and undermines the prospect of peace and reconstruction, sexual abuse is among the worst of crimes.

The landmark adoption of Resolution 1325 has created a strong global normative framework and has triggered an important paradigm shift: sexual violence in armed conflict is now clearly considered as a threat to international peace and security.

Yet, despite greater political will and efforts, progress is slow and conflict-related sexual violence has not diminished.

Putting an end to impunity, which continues to be the norm, is a priority. The message we send today should be clear: zero tolerance for rape and other forms of sexual violence in conflict. In addition, Member States should also implement policies that redirect the stigma from victims to perpetrators.

We also recognize the important role that civil society and women organizations play in documenting the abuses and in providing survivor-centered responses. A good example is the partnership of Justice Rapid Response with UN Women, to ensure criminal justice and accountability for sexual violence.

Mr. President,

In September 2018, the Albanian Government approved its first National Action Plan for UNSC Resolution 1325. The NAP aims to integrate the gender perspective into our national, foreign and security policy, providing a comprehensive legal framework to promote and increase women’s participation in political and public life, as well as​ in the security sector. ​

Particular attention has been paid to mainstream a gender-sensitive approach in the training of civil, police and military personnel, with a special focus on prevention and response to sexual violence.

Mr. President,

I come from a region that, in the recent past, has witnessed firsthand the devastating legacy of sexual violence being used as a tactic of war. Here I would like to mention the case of Kosova, where rape, targeting civilians, has been deliberately and repeatedly used as a weapon during the war in the late 90s. More than 20 000 survivors still suffer in silence the consequences, isolated by stigma, discrimination and fear. They have to struggle with social ostracism, physical and psychological damage, and emotional torment. Despite substantial evidence, not a single case of war related sexual violence has been prosecuted.

We regret that the current Report of the Secretary General continues to not mention Kosova among the post-conflict countries that suffer the consequences of sexual crimes, and we call upon Secretary General to include Kosova in his future report. This would help acknowledging the survivors and combating the prejudice and shame they face. It would also highlight Kosova’s valuable experience in supporting them, as a good example for the region and beyond.

Mr. President,

It is our collective responsibility to closely cooperate and take concrete actions in order to prevent sexual violence, protect survivors and bring perpetrators to justice. Albania fully supports Secretary-General’s recommendations in his report, as well as the resolution presented by Germany, that was adopted today, and remains committed to play its part in implementing it.