Statement by the Delegation of Ukraine at the open debate of the UN Security Council on “Preventing conflict-related sexual violence through demilitarisation and gender-responsive arms control”

(23 April 2024)

Mr. President,

I thank the Malta presidency for organizing this important debate and SRSG Pramila Patten for her insightful briefing. I am also grateful to briefers Ms. Danai Gurira and Niemat Ahmadi for sharing their testimonies and practical recommendations with us today.

My delegation aligns itself with the statements by the EU and on behalf of the Group of friends of Women, Peace, and Security, and we would also like to highlight a few points in my national capacity.

The report depicts a grim reality - in 2023, the outbreak and escalation of conflict exposed civilians to increased levels of conflict-related sexual violence, intentionally used to terrorize communities and dismantle the social fabric. These despicable crimes inflict lasting trauma on survivors and their families. As Russia weaponizes sexual violence amidst its war of aggression against Ukraine and supports other CRSV perpetrators in various conflict situations, we remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring accountability for these atrocities and advocating for the protection of survivors.

The report presented highlights the reprehensible tactics employed by the Russian aggressors in Ukraine, using sexual violence as a weapon and tool of torture against civilians and prisoners of war. These atrocities were also starkly outlined in the reports of the Independent Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. 

Testimonies from individuals released from Russian captivity reveal that over 50% of detainees endured torture, rape or other forms of sexualized ill-treatment. To underscore the urgency and gravity of the situation, the Permanent Mission of Ukraine, in collaboration with Canada, Liechtenstein, Colombia, and the All-Survivors Project, convened a thematic event today.

As of now, Ukrainian prosecutors have documented 290 cases of CRSV, affecting 102 men and 188 women, including 15 minors. These cases involve various abuses such as rape, genital violence, forced nudity, threats, attempted rape, and witnessing the sexual abuse of family members, among others. However, these figures represent only the tip of the iceberg due to underreporting and limited access to occupied territories.

We firmly believe that the Russian army and Russian law enforcement agencies such as the FSB belong on a list as parties to the conflict reliably suspected of committing acts of rape or other forms of sexual violence. 

We echo the call on the Security Council to utilize all available means to prevent and address various manifestations of sexual and gender-based violence, including CRSV.

We also call on Member States to fulfill their disarmament and arms control obligations and place gendered lenses at the heart of such policies.

Russia actively uses weapons and ammunition purchased from Iran and the DPRK to kill Ukrainians, including women and children. In this regard, we call upon the global community to denounce ongoing military support for Russia's aggressive war, particularly by Tehran and Pyongyang, and implore all countries to refrain from supplying weapons for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

Mr. President,

Ukraine is resolute in its commitment to ensuring accountability for these heinous crimes and to providing all necessary assistance to survivors.

We appreciate the international community's support, which amplifies our resolve. 

Ukraine is proud to co-Chair the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative that was launched by the United Kingdom.

We appreciate the efforts of SRSG Patten and her team for substantial assistance to the Government of Ukraine in achieving these goals. 

The Framework of Cooperation with the UN to respond to and prevent CRSV signed in May 2022 helped to establish the national all-encompassing coordination mechanism for combating CRSV. Today, a detailed implementation plan involving state institutions, civil society, and international organizations is being implemented. As a part of it, in partnership with UNFPA, we opened 12 stationed and 3 Mobile Survivor Relief Centres to operate across the country providing various services.

Together with Global Survivors Fund, the Government of Ukraine has launched a pilot project on urgent interim reparation for CRSV’ survivors in Ukraine. Survivors cannot wait until the war is over, they need support and justice now.

To conclude, our message is clear: sexual violence in conflict will not be tolerated, and those who commit such crimes will be prosecuted and held accountable.  

And first and foremost, it is a critical moment for the international community to consolidate its efforts and exert maximum pressure on Russia to stop its brutal unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine, to cease its heinous war crimes and crimes against humanity. 

Thank you.