Zimbabwe has called for stronger international cooperation to combat conflict-related sexual violence, with the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Taonga Mushayavanhu, urging the global community to strengthen accountability, protect survivors and end impunity during the United Nations Security Council Open Debate in New York, yesterday.
Presenting Zimbabwe’s national statement, Ambassador Mushayavanhu underscored the importance of upholding international law and ensuring that survivors of conflict-related sexual violence receive justice, protection and comprehensive support.
“Zimbabwe calls for the prohibition of sexual violence in conflict, backed by discipline and ending impunity is essential to preventing future violations and safeguarding vulnerable populations during armed conflicts,” Ambassador Mushayavanhu said.
Ambassador Mushayavanhu further stressed the need to preserve evidence of sexual violence committed during conflicts and strengthen national capacities to investigate and prosecute offenders.
“Preservation of evidence and strengthening national investigation and prosecution capacities are critical to ensuring accountability and delivering justice to survivors,” he said.
He urged governments, development partners and international institutions to increase funding for women protection advisers as well as women-led and survivor-led organisations, including during transitions of United Nations peace missions.
“Funding for women protection advisers and women-led and survivor-led organisations, including during mission transitions, remains essential to sustaining protection mechanisms and ensuring that survivors continue to receive the support they require,” Ambassador Mushayavanhu said.
The Open Debate provided United Nations member states with an opportunity to review progress in implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda while examining ways to strengthen international responses to conflict-related sexual violence.
Zimbabwe’s intervention reaffirmed the country’s commitment to promoting peace, protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls affected by armed conflict, and supporting international efforts aimed at preventing sexual violence, strengthening accountability and ensuring survivors receive justice and comprehensive assistance.
