STATEMENT BY
H.E. SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE OPEN DEBATE OF THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL ON
WOMEN AND PEACE AND SECURITY: SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT
NEW YORK, 14 APRIL 2021
Mr. President,
At the outset, I wish to thank you for convening this open debate on women and peace and security, focusing on the pressing issue of sexual violence in conflict.
2. As an elected member of the Security Council in 2000, Malaysia supported the landmark Security Council resolution 1325 on Women and Peace and Security (WPS). The resolution clearly underscored the vital importance of cooperation among all the parties concerned in the field of women, peace, and security, including the protection of women and girls in situations of armed conflict. Nearly 21 years have passed since the adoption of this resolution, yet women continue to be the most direct victims and remain disproportionately affected by armed conflict. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation, resulting in intolerable environments and prolonged instability.
3. In Malaysia-led Joint Statement on Global Ceasefire last year, 172 UN Member States, Non-Member Observer State, and Observer expressed deep concern for the continuation of hostilities in various parts of the world, particularly in the midst of the global health crisis, and their devastating impact on the most vulnerable – especially on women and children. The signatories also recognised the crucial role of women in efforts to build sustainable peace.
Mr. President,
4. The effects of armed conflicts on women are numerous and destructive. Malaysia condemns all violence against women, including sexual violence, and urges all parties involved in the conflict to comply with international humanitarian law and human rights law. As the State Party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, we call for accountability for crimes of sexual violence against women and girls in armed conflict. We reiterate that accountability constitutes not only careful investigations and prosecutions of those responsible but also a broader undertaking of political, legal, and moral responsibilities by individuals and institutions for past violations that have occurred. Perpetrators of such crimes must never go unpunished.
5. Malaysia also strongly condemns all forms of sexual violence against women and girls, including opportunistic attacks and the deliberate use of rape as another means of a weapon.
6. Malaysia also believes that peacekeeping missions and peace operations must be adequately supported to respond and prevent incidences of sexual violence in conflict, including through standardised pre-deployment and in-mission training. In this context, Malaysian peacekeepers are continually trained including in the areas of prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse in their pre-deployment training programme. Our women peacekeepers also served in peacekeeping operations in support of the WPS agenda.
Mr. President,
7. While we continue to work towards protecting women against violence in armed conflicts, we must spare no effort to also promote their participation in peace negotiations, humanitarian planning and post conflict peacebuilding. In this context, Malaysia calls for greater efforts and initiatives by Member States, United Nations entities, including UN-Women, civil society organisations, and other relevant actors in advancing women's rights and protecting them from sexual and gender-based violence. Malaysia also continues to support UN Women in this endeavour, which includes our consistent financial contribution to the Agency so it can continue to support women's meaningful participation and the integration of gender perspectives in peace and security processes.
8. At the regional level, ASEAN is committed to continue advancing the WPS agenda in the region. In 2017, the adoption of the Joint Statement on Promoting Women, Peace and Security in ASEAN at the 31st ASEAN Summit signified a landmark step in the region’s commitment to address the pivotal roles that women play in peace building, conflict prevention, resolution and recovery. This first ASEAN Women, Peace and Security Statement was subsequently reaffirmed by a Joint Statement of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers in 2019. The ASEAN Ministerial Dialogue on Strengthening Women’s role for Sustainable Peace and Security held in September 2020 also reiterated our determination to enhance the role of women in peace processes, conflict prevention and resolution, post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation and expand networks of women in peace and security. ASEAN is also presently developing its Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace and Security for 2021-2022.
9. In conclusion, Malaysia reaffirms its strong commitment to the efforts in addressing sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations. We will continue to work with others in advancing this agenda and ensuring the full mainstreaming of women in all areas of peace and security.
Thank you.
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