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Statement by the Permanent Representative, Ambassador Maria Michail, at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate
“Women, Peace and Security: Preventing conflict-related sexual violence through demilitarisation and gender-responsive arms control”
New York, 23 April 2024
Mr. President,
We express our appreciation to Malta for organizing this debate today.
Allow me to thank the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Pattern, for her insightful presentation, and Ms. Ahmadi and Ms. Gurira for their valuable inputs.
Cyprus fully subscribes to the statement of the European Union.
Mr. President,
it is a sad reality that conflict related sexual violence is entrenched in warfare. CRSV is not an isolated activity: it is deeply rooted in historical inequalities and patriarchal social structures, exacerbated by the proliferation of arms and increased militarisation. Victims and survivors are often living ashamed in the shadow, awaiting justice and redresses when the culture of impunity unfortunately prevails.