Statement by

Sattar Ahmadi, First Counselor

Of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

before the UN Security Council Open Debate

on “Women, Peace, and Security: Promoting Implementation of Security Council Resolutions on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence”

New York, 14 July 2023

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Mr. President,

I thank the briefers for their input.

Mr. President,

Armed conflicts have a devastating and disproportionate impact on women and girls, rendering them the primary victims of violence, displacement, and human rights violations.

The use of sexual violence as a tactic in such conflicts is an abhorrent crime, disproportionately affecting women and girls who bear the brunt of its horrific brutality.

Iran strongly condemns all forms of sexual violence perpetrated during armed conflicts and calls on all parties to armed conflict to comply with their obligations under international law.

Within our volatile region, the Middle East, the threats posed by foreign occupation, interference, and terrorism gravely jeopardize the rights and safety of women, disregarding their security needs.

Mr. President,

Addressing this inhumane practice necessitates a collaborative approach. The Security Council resolutions relevant to armed conflict explicitly underscore the imperative of combating conflict-related sexual violence and emphasizing accountability for these heinous acts. The primary goal is to foster an environment that effectively prevents and responds to such violence while safeguarding and empowering victims.

However, achieving success in prevention hinges upon addressing the root causes, primarily armed conflicts themselves. Consequently, the ultimate solution to curbing these crimes lies in the complete elimination of armed conflicts. Unfortunately, as long as terrorism, violent extremism, foreign occupation, and foreign interference persist, attaining this solution remains elusive. In the interim, our efforts must be concentrated on advancing women's empowerment initiatives, such as enhancing access to education, economic opportunities, and healthcare services.

Moreover, specific measures such as strengthening the rule of law, ensuring the effective functioning of justice systems, and providing comprehensive support to victims are pivotal in protecting women and girls from sexual violence during armed conflicts. Equally vital is the promotion of accountability, which serves as a crucial aspect of addressing conflict-related sexual violence. It is of utmost importance that the international community responds decisively, particularly in cases where these reprehensible crimes are perpetrated by foreign occupying forces in conflict zones.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, we categorically refute the groundless allegations and unjustified reference made against Iran in the Secretary-General's recent report on sexual violence in armed conflicts. This allegation is absolutely false and was made without solid evidence and based solely on unreliable and distorted information from media sources. Considering the report's specific focus on sexual violence in armed conflict, it is deeply concerning that the SRSG has overstepped its mandates by bringing unfounded claims to a member state that have nothing to do with armed conflicts. We strongly object to and condemn such irresponsible action, which undermines the integrity of the report and the UN in general. 

I thank you, Mr. President.