Remarks by China's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Fu Cong at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Conflict-related Sexual Violence

President,

I welcome Prime Minister Tuluka's presiding over today's meeting and thank SRSG Patten and Ms. Jocelyn for their briefings.

In recent years, as the international landscape has become increasingly turbulent, conflict-related sexual violence has intensified, with women and girls bearing the brunt of the suffering. The use of sexual violence as a tactic of war and terrorism constitutes a grave violation of relevant Security Council resolutions and international law. It severely violates the dignity and fundamental rights of victims and inflicts lasting trauma on individuals, families, and societies. China strongly condemns and firmly opposes all forms of conflict-related sexual violence and calls on all countries to join forces to curb and combat this scourge. I wish to emphasize the following points.

First, restoring peace and stability is the foremost prerequisite. Social instability and the absence of the rule of law resulting from conflict create a breeding ground for sexual violence. Only through peace and stability can sexual violence be curbed at its source and a conducive environment be created for justice and assistance. The international community should champion a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, remain committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes, strengthen preventive diplomacy and mediation, facilitate the cessation of hostilities, fulfill obligations under international humanitarian law, and work to de-escalate hotspot issues. We must maintain a zero-tolerance approach toward terrorism, strengthen international counter-terrorism cooperation, and resolutely combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Second, respect for national sovereignty is a crucial principle. The countries concerned bear the primary responsibility for preventing and combating sexual violence and protecting women and children. The international community should earnestly respect the sovereignty and leadership of the countries concerned, assist them in building capacity on security and the rule of law, and ensure justice and protection for victims. The Secretary-General's report notes that countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Colombia have, in cooperation with the United Nations, actively explored approaches suited to their national contexts and have achieved notable progress in areas such as investigations and accountability, strengthened management of military and police forces, national reparations, and assistance to survivors and children. We commend these efforts. We expect the SRSG-SVC and relevant Team of Experts to continue fulfilling their mandates and provide necessary support to the countries concerned in addressing sexual violence.

Third, strengthening assistance and support is a key task. Helping survivors recover from physical and psychological trauma and resume normal lives is essential for social justice and long-term stability. The international community should support the countries concerned in improving their assistance systems and helping victims access comprehensive services, including medical care, psychological support, legal aid, education, livelihood assistance, and destigmatization. The Secretary-General's report indicates that UN and international humanitarian agencies are severely underfunded. Assistance programs across various regions are being cut, leaving many survivors of conflict-related sexual violence with nowhere to turn for help. We call upon traditional donors, particularly those bearing historical responsibilities, to provide predictable and sustainable financial support to the countries concerned as well as victims and survivors, so that commitments are translated into tangible support on the ground.

Fourth, promoting inclusive development is a fundamental safeguard. Women play an indispensable role in the cause of peace and development, both as participants and contributors. Eliminating conflict-related sexual violence requires not only punishing crimes in accordance with the law, but also taking a longer-term perspective-empowering women, eliminating gender discrimination, and helping women and girls gain better access to education, employment, and opportunities to participate in socioeconomic activities, thereby fundamentally enhancing their resilience and capacity for self-protection and development. The international community should increase investment in development, bridge the development divide, and support women, children, and other vulnerable people in sharing the fruits of development, thus laying a solid foundation for lasting peace and sustainable development.

President, 

Conflict-related sexual violence violates the most fundamental humanitarian principles and challenges the conscience of humanity. Addressing this issue requires the international community to uphold objectivity and impartiality, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and avoid using the issue to trade accusations, create confrontation, or politicize and instrumentalize the matter. As a responsible major country and an active advocate for the global cause of women, China stands ready to work with all member states to make greater contributions toward eliminating conflict-related sexual violence and maintaining international peace and security.

Thank you, President.