Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Norberto Moretti, at the Open Debate on Conflict-related sexual gender-based violence - April 23rd, 2024

Madam President,

I thank Malta for organizing this open debate. I also thank Special Representative Pramila Patten for her tireless efforts in mainstreaming a gender perspective in arms control and disarmament with a view to reducing the flow of weapons that facilitates conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence.

Guaranteeing the equal participation of women from all regions, notably from developing countries, in decision-making institutions and fora is beneficial to all. In this respect, we commend the recent appointment, by the Secretary General, of the Brazilian prosecutor Ms. Najla Nassif Palma for the position of UN Victims Rights Advocate.

Madam President,

Diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of small arms and light weapons and ammunition continue to fuel violence worldwide, with an acute and differentiated impact on women and girls.

Brazil supports gender-sensitive language in peacekeeping operations and special political missions to ensure protection of civilians and preventing conflict-related sexual violence.

Cross-leveraging disarmament and women, peace and security frameworks is critical. We commend the UN Institute for Disarmament Research for its efforts in raising awareness on gender-related issues on arms control and disarmament, such as diversity among policy-makers, and gender gaps in public opinion on nuclear weapons.

It is key to secure women`s full, equal and meaningful participation in decision-making processes in arms control and disarmament fora. States must consider this in the upcoming review of the Program of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, next June.

Madam President,

In its 11 mandates in this Council, Brazil has proudly sponsored some of the most significant initiatives to enhance accountability to perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence and promote survivor`s access to justice.

We helped craft Council resolution 1960/2010 on sexual violence in armed conflict, increasing its role in monitoring the inclusion of judicial reparations for those crimes in peace processes.

Also, as chair of the 1533 Sanctions Committee in 2011, Brazil accepted the request from then Special Representative Margot Wallström to strengthen measures against perpetrators of conflict-related sexual violence, in line with Resolution 1807 of 2008. Listing perpetrators of such crimes is a key prevention tool, as long as this prerogative is exercised with maximum restraint and with due regard for the rights of the listed individuals to defend themselves, through the regime`s Ombudspersons.

Additionally, as listing alone is not sufficient to bring perpetrators to justice, survivors of sexual violence should be supported in accessing justice and obtaining reparations.

As Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, Brazil stands ready to collaborate with the Security Council on the shared responsibility to combat conflict-related sexual violence. The PBC must play its leading role in women, peace and security. We hope it will resume its participation at the next annual open debate on WPS.

Madam President,

Brazil is committed to implementing WPS resolutions in all its dimensions, even going beyond its scope. Our second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security covers not only foreign policy actions, but also a broad range of issues of major importance for the Brazilian society, including promoting a safer, less violent environment for Brazilian women. This is a goal that every member-state should pursue.

Thank you.