UN Security Council Open Debate on CRSV “Honouring the promise of international law to survivors of conflict-related sexual violence”
Statement delivered by Ms. Deivi-Päivi Jahami, Third Secretary, Permanent Mission of Estonia to the UN
New York, 8 July 2026
President,
Estonia aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and the statement of the Group of Friends of Women, Peace and Security.
We thank the Democratic Republic of the Congo for convening this open debate and all the briefers for their valuable insights.
Conflict-related sexual violence is not an inevitable by-product of war. It is a deliberate crime used as a tactic of war, terror, torture and repression. Its consequences do not end when the wars and conflicts end. They last for years, often haunting the survivors for a lifetime.
The Secretary-General’s report makes clear that this is a global crisis. Documented cases rose sharply in 2025 and were marked by extreme brutality. In the DRC, Sudan, Myanmar, Haiti and elsewhere, conflict-related sexual violence continues to devastate individuals and communities. We are particularly concerned by the high volume of incidents attributed to State actors.
For the first time, armed and security forces of a Permanent Member of this Council are listed in the annex of the Secretary-General’s report for committing conflict-related sexual violence against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war. As a permanent member of the Security Council, Russia bears a particular responsibility to uphold international peace and security. Yet, it continues to attack the very foundations of the UN Charter.
We underline that Hamas continues to be listed among parties credibly suspected of being responsible for conflict-related sexual violence. The Secretary-General has also included Israeli armed and security forces on the list in relation to incidents attributed to them.
Estonia unequivocally condemns all acts of conflict-related sexual violence, regardless of the perpetrator. There is no justification for the use of sexual violence under any circumstances.
President,
Accountability is essential to ending conflict-related sexual violence. Impunity allows these crimes to continue and must be brought to an end. International humanitarian law, human rights law and international criminal law must be upheld. All allegations must be investigated promptly, independently and impartially, and perpetrators must be held accountable, regardless of rank or affiliation.
Estonia supports all efforts to document, investigate and prosecute these crimes, including through cooperation with the International Criminal Court and other international accountability mechanisms.
In this regard, we welcome the launch of the global CRSV Prosecution Network and Community of Practice and have the honour to announce that Estonia has joined the Network. Estonia reaffirms its unwavering support to the mandate of to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Pramila Patten, and the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict. We condemn all attacks against the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General and the UN architecture that is intended to protect all people from atrocity crimes.
Thank you.