KUALA LUMPUR Oct 19 (Bernama) — Malaysia has expressed concern over sexual and gender-based crimes and strongly believes that ending impunity is crucial in the quest to put an end to sexual violence in times of conflict.
Citing progress made over the years, Charge D’ Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the United Nations Raja Reza Raja Zaib Shah said Malaysia welcomed continuous efforts made by the UN Teams of Expert on The Rules of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict in strengthening national capacity in the rule of law and justice.
“We feel that its engagement with relevant governments would strengthen the latter’s capacity to effectively address sexual violence against women and girls,” he said at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security in New York Friday.
The text of speech was faxed to Bernama here.
Raja Reza said Malaysia endorsed the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict which spelled out collective views on greater action needed to address the issue.
He said Malaysia felt that strengthening investment in women’s human rights, including access to justice was critical not only to ensure women’s protection but also to put an end to impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
On women’s empowerment after conflict, he said attention should be given to strengthen the security of women through rules and regulations.
Raja Reza said there was a need to increase the number of women in high-level decision-making positions in peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations.
Malaysia also supports the appointments more women protection advisers to monitor and report sexual violence in all relevant situations, he added.