DPM Lukšić in London: Montenegro supports efforts of international community in fighting against sexual violence in conflicts

London, United Kingdom (13 June 2014) – Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Igor Lukšić participated in the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflicts, which took place in London on 10-13 June, at the initiative of UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs William Hague.

Opening remarks were made by EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and a great number of foreign ministers of signatories to the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflicts.

Deputy Prime Minister Lukšić delivered a speech within the ministerial dialogue on strengthening international and national responses in dealing with impunity, emphasising that violence against women is not only a violation of human rights, but the issue concerning development, peace and security. This matter requires a comprehensive and integrated approach including prevention, early warning, the rule of law and access to justice, accountability, participation of women in political processes and their economic empowerment, he pointed out.

Foreign Minister Lukšić confirmed that Montenegro, as a member states of the UN Human Rights Council, pledges support to international community’s efforts in fighting against sexual violence and stressed the UN plays a primary role in strengthening capacities of states in order to prevent violence and to fight against impunity.

The Summit’s participants highlighted the importance of taking joint actions in the fights against deploying sexual violence as weapon of war. They pointed out that sexual violence in armed conflict is a serious violation of the international humanitarian law and human rights, and that the Summit has a key role in changing the global attitude towards defining concrete actions and measures that will contribute to tackling these phenomena, especially in the context of fighting against impunity for perpetrators and providing comprehensive assistance and support to victims.

The summit also presented the International Protocol on Documentation and Investigation of Sexual violence in Conflicts, and adopted a final document, which confirms the countries’ commitment to working together in order to effectively eradicate sexual violence.