Naujienos

Aukšto lygio renginys seksualinio smurto konfliktuose tema

I am very glad to participate in this important event. And confirm that my country fully endorses the Declaration on ending sexual violence in conflict.

Through participation in operations in conflict zones, Lithuania is perfectly aware of the immensity of the problem. In Afghanistan as well as the Balkans we witnessed the destructive effect of sexual violence against women, men and children. It is a scar that hinders any further effort to bring peace, rebuild or empower.

A few years ago, our Foreign minister himself contributed to preparing the first Action Plan under Resolution 1325.  Today I am very happy that this Action Plan is being actively implemented and is helping to bring positive changes to the lives of victims of conflict.

Sexual violence is one of the most barbarous features of conflict situations, in which the victims are not just women and girls, but also men and boys. The international community must take all possible action to stop sexual violence being used as a war tactic, or indeed being used at all.

That is why we welcome the UK’s initiative to raise international awareness and mobilize international action for this cause. As the country holding the European Union Presidency, I am happy to observe that the EU is very active in this area.

Lithuania will support very energetically all appropriate initiatives in this area, at international, regional and national levels.

All of us - political, public and religious leaders - must state loudly and clearly that sexual violence is unacceptable, and must help to educate new generations about the need for a non-violent culture.

We want to thank Rt Hon William Hague for launching this Initiative, and assure him that my country will support the building of a free world free of violence.