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Statement by the Republic of Lithuania at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate “Women, peace and security: preventing conflict-related sexual violence through demilitarization and gender-responsive arms control” on Tuesday, 23 April.

Madam President,

Lithuania aligns itself with the EU statement. I would like to add the following remarks in our national capacity.

Lithuania fully supports the efforts of Secretary General’s Special representative Pramila Patten and I thank for her statement today.

In line with the UN commitment to put an end to sexual violence in conflict situations the Government of Lithuania has been continuously providing financial contributions to the UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict.

We are keen on strengthening our cooperation and exploring avenues for additional collective initiatives aimed at holding accountable perpetrators, including Russia, for their actions while ensuring a survivor-centered approach.

This year's report from the Secretary-General on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence underscores the direct correlation between the proliferation of arms, illicit trafficking of weapons, and the rise in incidents of sexual violence. Once again, it is demonstrated that incorporating a gender perspective into discussions regarding arms non-proliferation holds strategic significance. This is significant in advancing global peace, security, and gender parity.

The report notes that kidnapping and trafficking for sexual exploitation are not only horrific wartime tactics. They also serve as a revenue stream for perpetrators. Regrettably, impunity for conflict-related sexual violence persists as the norm. The societal stigma surrounding this issue also remains prevalent. Adopting a survivor-centered approach is vital. Employing intersectional analyses and tailored strategies is also vital.

Lithuania condemns, in the strongest possible terms, Hamas' brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel on 7 October 2023. This includes instances of rape and gang rape. We urge Hamas to release all hostages and ensure their protection. All alleged violations must be investigated without further delay. Perpetrators must be brought to justice.

 The ongoing Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine continues to yield harrowing testimonies of sexual violence against  the civilian population, detainees and the prisoners of war. This includes testimonies in the recent Commission of Inquiry report. The new evidence gathered strengthens the Commission’s previous findings that torture used by Russian authorities in Ukraine and the Russian Federation has been widespread and systematic. What further evidence of the horrifying accounts from victims of sexual violence must we hear before we decisively act to stop  the aggressor?                                                                                

Given the widespread evidence of Russian forces weaponizing conflict-related sexual violence, it is imperative to include certain parties in the Secretary-General's report annexes. These are the military as well as Federal Security Service and Federal Penitentiary Services units responsible for rape, the war crime of sexual violence, which also amounted to torture. The anonymity and impunity of the perpetrators only encourage the vicious cycle of violence. Victims deserve justice and redress.

Madam President,

It is imperative to use all tools to prevent conflict-related sexual violence. Lithuania supports a gender-sensitive approach to the control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). We recall the role that SALW plays in domestic and gender-based violence. We are highly concerned by a recent UNIDIR estimate. The estimate states that, in certain countries, between 70-90% of conflict-related sexual violence incidents involve weapons, particularly firearms.

Lithuania calls upon all states to fully implement the Arms Trade Treaty (2013). Prior to authorizing arms exports, this treaty requires a comprehensive risk assessment. The assessment must evaluate whether the arms could facilitate serious gender-based violence or violence against women and children. We also call for full adherence to the 2023 Global Framework for Ammunition Management. In this framework, states committed to considering ammunition diversion risks, including for gender-based violence, in their transfer control systems.

Lithuania remains committed to implementing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda nationally and internationally. We support and promote its international implementation.

We commend all women on the frontlines of the fight for democracy, peace, and security. Peaceful, resilient, and inclusive societies can only be built with full, equal, and meaningful participation and leadership of women in peace and security efforts.

I thank you.