United Nations Security Council Open Debate
Women, Peace and Security: Preventing conflict-related sexual violence through demilitarisation and gender-responsive arms control
Statement delivered by H.E. Rein Tammsaar, Permanent Representative of Estonia
23 April 2024
Mister/Madame President
I would like to thank Malta for organising this open debate and the briefers for their presentations. Estonia aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union.
Mister/Madame President
It is evident that rather remarkable erosion of the existing international arms control framework is taking place. Lack of mutual trust is surging and the arms control agreements are violated across the globe, including by a Permanent Member of this Council – Russia. Conditions for effective demilitarisation and disarmament are often neglected.
At the same time, effective combating of conflict-related sexual violence requires precisely demilitarisation, gender-responsive arms control and disarmament.
Mister/Madame President
Throughout last year we’ve sadly witnessed that sexual violence continues to be almost universally accepted tactic of warfare, terror and humiliation all around the globe – from conflicts in Africa and the Middle-East to Asia and South-America.
In Europe, documented systematic and widespread use of sexual violence continues to be an integral part of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. For over two years, Russia’s soldiers, mercenaries and occupational authorities with Kremlin’s blessing have been killing, torturing and raping Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war. Based on the crimes mentioned in the Secretary-General’s report, it is an enigma why Russian armed forces and law enforcement agencies are not listed in the annexes of this very report as a party committing acts of rape and other forms of sexual violence.
We condemn the sexual violence committed by Hamas against civilians on the 7th of October and call for the release of all hostages. We urge to strictly abide by International Humanitarian Law and unequivocally condemn all forms of conflict related sexual violence wherever it occurs.
Mister/Madame President
Estonia underlines the important role of international accountability mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court. Estonia strongly supports establishing special tribunals to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity, including conflict-related sexual violence.
We support applying targeted arms embargoes to actors that are listed as credibly suspected perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence. We also strongly urge the inclusion of sexual violence as a designation criteria in relevant sanctions regimes.
In addition, Estonia has been a steadfast supporter and donor of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict. Their work in the DRC, Guinea, Ukraine and other regions affected by conflict related-sexual violence is admirable.
Mister/Madame President
I must also stress the importance and urgency of ensuring women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation at all levels of decision making – in peace negotiations as well as in arms control. Estonia is a co-sponsor of the First Committee resolution on Women, disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control and its subsequent resolutions that highlight the need and importance of inclusive approach.
Mister/Madame President
I can assure that Estonia will continue its dedicated efforts to combat conflict-related sexual violence, including through our support to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.
Thank you