ISLAMABAD: Pakistan told the United Nations on Tuesday sexual violence was employed as a “weapon of war” under foreign occupations, highlighting the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Indian-administered Kashmir, and calling for accountability for the perpetrators.
Speaking at the UN Security Council’s annual open debate on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, Pakistan’s Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said the international community must act decisively against such abuses.
The ambassador noted this year marks the 25th anniversary of Resolution 1325, which recognizes the impact of armed conflict on women and the importance of their participation in peace processes.
He added that recent UN reports paint a grim picture of rising militarization, displacement and widespread sexual violence against civilians.
“Sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war, torture, terrorism, political repression and as a tool to consolidate illegal occupation of territories, as well as exploitation of natural resources,” Ahmad said in his statement. “The perpetrators must face justice, because impunity only emboldens abuse.”
Focusing on Palestine, he said thousands are facing violence, forced displacement and starvation at the hands of the occupying power.
“Despite the limited access granted to UN monitors, the SG’s [Secretary General’s] report has documented incidents of rape, sexual violence, prolonged forced nudity and repeated strip searches inflicted in degrading ways,” he continued. “This Council cannot turn away from such systematic abuse. Accountability is imperative.”
Ahmad also drew parallels with Indian-administered Kashmir, where he said sexual violence has been systematically used by security forces to punish and intimidate those demanding self-determination.
He urged the UN to take a comprehensive approach to addressing conflict-related sexual violence, especially in contexts of foreign occupation, where abuse is harder to monitor or report.
He called for greater participation of women in peacebuilding, the adoption of a survivor-centered approach, prioritization of situations of occupation, accountability for perpetrators and action to address the root causes of unresolved conflicts.
The Pakistani diplomat also highlighted his country’s contributions to UN peacekeeping, including its women peacekeepers, who serve in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones.
“Sexual violence is among the gravest crimes against human dignity,” he said. “We must take urgent and resolute action to put an end to these abhorrent practices and the impunity that sustains them.”
