Statement by Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon at the
United Nations Security Council meeting on the Middle
East.
Thank you, Mr President.
May I firstly thank the Special Representative Pramila Patten for
briefing us on her recent visit and may I take this opportunity,
SRSG, to applaud your tireless work on this agenda in standing up
in defence and protection of victims and survivors of sexual
violence.
Your visit was profoundly important. And your report, an
essential insight into the shocking crimes you’ve just
illustrated. It is therefore right that the Security Council
considers it today.
As we have seen in conflicts around the world, it’s a tragic
fact, sexual violence is used to terrorise civilians. Mr
President, it shatters lives. It leaves brutal and lifelong scars
on victims, their families, and communities.
We are collectively and rightly appalled by reports of sexual
violence committed by Hamas on 7 October and against hostages.
I refer to the report and note with deep concern the findings of
SRSG Patten, including “reasonable grounds” to believe that
sexual violence occurred in Israel on 7 October and the existence
of, and I quote, “clear and convincing” information that sexual
violence has been committed against hostages.
Mr President, it is deeply disturbing to know that “such violence
may be ongoing against those still in captivity” a direct quote
from the report. We continue to call an immediate, safe and
unconditional release of all hostages.
And to work through every channel to secure an immediate stop in
the fighting, then progress towards a sustainable ceasefire –
because, for us, that is the best route to achieve this.
I am also deeply shocked by the very concerning reports,
referenced in the SRSG report and also by the Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights, of sexual violence perpetrated by
Israeli forces against Palestinian detainees of which we’ve just
heard, who have been arrested and held by Israel.
These reports, as we’ve heard, are being investigated. I
therefore call on Israel to take immediate measures to prevent
conflict-related sexual violence, to abide by international
humanitarian law, and to ensure thorough investigations into
these reports, and ultimately for perpetrators to be held to
account.
Mr President let me be absolutely clear – we the United Kingdom
condemn conflict-related sexual violence unequivocally, wherever
it occurs, and stand in solidarity with all victims and
survivors.
Put it simply, it must stop. Perpetrators must be held
accountable. Survivors must receive holistic support and I call
on all members of this Security Council to be unequivocal on
these points.
And may I say to both Israelis and Palestinians, and their
representatives here today that the United Kingdom, as a friend
to both, is ready to support.
As The PM’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence
in Conflict, here is my offer on behalf of the United Kingdom. We
have our PSVI Team of Experts, who have already deployed over 90
times.
We have The Murad Code, launched last April in this very Council,
which sets out minimum standards to ensure survivors are not
retraumatised when they are interviewed.
We have our Stigma Toolkit which provides practical measures to
address the stigma faced by survivors in criminal justice
systems.
Indeed, earlier today I chaired a meeting with members of the
International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict,
and I was pleased that SRSG Patten was able to attend. Alongside
a colleague of mine, who was instrumental in
establishing this very initiative I lead in 2012, to consider new
and innovative ways to ensure crimes are fully investigated,
testimonies are held to allow for successful prosecution and
those who survive these shocking and abhorrent crimes – the
incredible, courageous, brave survivors - are supported fully in
rebuilding their lives.
We fully agree with the SRSG that investigations should be
conducted in a safe and ethical manner consistent with a
survivor-centred approach.
Mr President, all reports of sexual violence must be fully
investigated to ensure justice for survivors and victims.
Mr President, justice delayed is justice denied. And for the
United Kingdom it remains that a two-state solution is the only
way to achieve justice and security for both Israelis and
Palestinians.
The first step must be an immediate stop to the fighting leading
to a permanent, sustainable ceasefire. The release of all
hostages, and vital humanitarian, life-saving aid to be delivered
to Gaza. It is this solution that we seek.
We owe it to the legacy of every innocent civilian killed in
Israel and across the Occupied Palestinian Territories to utilise
every lever we have and every channel we have in pursuit of this
noble objective.
