India on Thursday strongly condemned the use of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), describing it as a tool of war, terrorism, torture and political repression that is used to subjugate communities, suppress dissent and inflict widespread human suffering. Addressing the United Nations Security Council's Open Debate on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P. Harish, called for stronger international efforts to combat the growing threat and end the prevailing culture of impunity.
Referring to the latest report by the UN Secretary-General, Ambassador Harish said the sharp increase in verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence in 2025 underscored the urgent need for collective global action. He noted that the findings highlighted not only a rise in the number of incidents but also the extreme brutality associated with such crimes, making it imperative for member states to strengthen accountability mechanisms and support survivors.
"Today's open debate is on a subject that warrants collective deliberation by member states, particularly in the wake of findings of the UNSG's report on conflict-related sexual violence that corroborates a sharp increase in verified cases in 2025 and the extreme brutality involved," Harish said. He added that sexual violence continues to be employed as "a means of war, of terrorism, torture, and political repression to subjugate communities, suppress dissent, and inflict human suffering," stressing that India strongly condemns such "heinous acts."
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Highlighting India's longstanding contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations, Harish said the deployment of women peacekeepers has proven to be one of the most effective measures in addressing conflict-related sexual violence. He cited the example of India's first all-women Formed Police Unit, deployed to Liberia in 2007, which played a significant role in improving security, deterring sexual and gender-based violence, and rebuilding confidence among local communities recovering from conflict. According to the Indian envoy, female peacekeepers bring unique perspectives that strengthen protection systems and improve engagement with vulnerable populations.
Their presence also encourages survivors of sexual violence to report crimes more readily, helping authorities investigate cases and provide support. Harish said India's experience demonstrates that increasing women's participation in peacekeeping missions can have a transformative impact on preventing and responding to such violations. During his address, Harish also announced that Indian peacekeepers Major Moiz Yassin and Major Sonia Devendra Navaskar will receive the 2026 UN Secretary-General's Military Gender Advocate of the Year Recognition Certificate. The honour recognises their outstanding efforts in preventing conflict-related sexual violence and advancing gender-responsive peacekeeping practices.
Conflict-related sexual violence remains a major concern in several conflict zones worldwide, with the United Nations repeatedly warning that women, girls, men and boys continue to face sexual violence during armed conflicts. The UN has consistently urged governments, armed groups and international organisations to strengthen prevention, ensure accountability for perpetrators and provide comprehensive support for survivors. India's remarks at the Security Council reinforced its support for these objectives while highlighting the country's continued contribution to UN peacekeeping and global efforts to combat gender-based violence in conflict situations.
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