United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
“Identifying Innovative Strategies to Ensure Access to Life-Saving Services and Protection for Survivors in Conflict Zones”
New York, 19 August 2025
Mr. President,
At the outset, allow me to express our sincere appreciation to the Republic of Panama for organizing this important debate.
We thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, for her insightful presentation, and we reiterate our full support to her mandate. We also express our appreciation to Mrs. Ahmed for her remarks.
Mr. President,
We are appalled by the sharp rise of conflict-related sexual violence and the severity and brutality of recorded cases, as presented in the recent Report of the Secretary-General.
Cyprus strongly condemns gender-based violence in all its forms and manifestations, online and offline, including all acts of sexual violence during armed conflicts.
It is deeply alarming that, despite the adoption of landmark resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008), in conflict-affected regions around the world, conflict-related sexual violence is still used as a tactic of war, torture, terrorism and political repression. This abhorrent crime is neither incidental nor isolated; it is a manifestation of entrenched historical inequalities and patriarchal power structures.
Cyprus recalls that rape and other forms of sexual violence may constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, or acts of genocide under international law. CRSV is a peace and security issue and an impediment to sustainable peace that requires targeted operational and policy responses.
Mr. President,
Allow me to contribute to today’s discussion with a few points.
Firstly, we should always take into consideration that victims and survivors are not a homogenous group: they have different experiences, needs and perspectives that we must take into consideration in addressing their traumas, including the drama of their families. We must ensure access to services, including sexual and reproductive health-care services, as well as psychosocial support and legal assistance.
[It is, therefore, crucial to strengthen survivor-centered and, gender- and age-responsive, disability-inclusive and trauma-informed services and programmes.]
Secondly, these heinous crimes cannot be addressed in isolation and should not remain unanswered. The era of impunity of perpetrators of these atrocities must end once and for all. We need to strengthen legal procedures at national, regional, and international levels, ensuring criminal accountability for perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence. Furthermore, victims of sexual violence must have equal protection under the law and equal access to justice. Prosecution and accountability are key to ensuring long lasting peace.
Lastly, although women and girls are disproportionately affected by sexual violence in conflict, they remain underrepresented in peace and security decision-making structures. We must adopt concrete measures to ensure the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women in all efforts for the maintenance of peace and security and the full implementation of the peace and security agenda, including in addressing CRSV. Their voices are essential.
Mr. President,
Cyprus, as a victim of foreign military invasion and ongoing foreign military occupation for five decades now, has endured the horrors of conflict-related sexual violence. CRSV remains an open wound of the Cypriot society. Most victims of rape and sexual violence are suffering in silence all these years, while the occupying power never brought to justice the perpetrators of these horrendous crimes.
Mr. President,
To conclude, it is imperative to address the root causes of sexual violence in conflict settings, and of gender-based violence. Cyprus reaffirms its commitment to working with the international community to strengthen the global response to CRSV, adopt a survivor-centered approach, while at the same time ensure justice and accountability for all victims and survivors.
I thank you.