Guyana urges tougher global actions, sanctions to curb sexual violence in conflict zones

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has issued a strong call for decisive global action to combat the alarming rise in sexual violence and gender-based atrocities in conflict zones, urging the UN Security Council to impose sanctions and hold perpetrators accountable. Delivering remarks on Monday at the UN Security Council’s Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett said the international community must move beyond condemnation to concrete action, as women and girls continue to suffer the most devastating consequences of war, occupation, and instability. “Conflict-related sexual violence cases documented by the UN increased by 87 per cent in the past two years,” the Ambassador noted, citing UN data that also revealed a 288 per cent surge in demand for rape and sexual violence survivor support in Sudan between 2023 and 2024. She further highlighted the catastrophic toll on women in Gaza, where seven out of every 10 women killed in conflicts worldwide died during that period.

“These numbers are damning,” Rodrigues-Birkett said. “The Security Council and the international community must go beyond outrage and condemnation and use all available tools to stem the horrific violence against women and girls that we are witnessing.” The Ambassador emphasised that the Council must enforce international law and take a firm stance against impunity for those responsible for sexual violence and other violations of women’s rights. “Action should include sanctions on perpetrators of gross violations, including conflict-related sexual violence,” she asserted, adding that such sanctions should only be lifted “where there are demonstrable efforts to prevent or respond to violations of women’s rights.” Rodrigues-Birkett also called for the Council to invoke its referral powers to the International Criminal Court (ICC) where national prosecutions have failed, as a deterrent against future abuses. Turning to the broader Women, Peace and Security agenda, the Guyanese envoy reflected on the 25th anniversary of Resolution 1325, describing it as a milestone that formally recognised women’s critical role in preventing conflict, advancing peace processes, and rebuilding societies. However, she lamented that despite progress, “the shortfalls are substantial,” attributing setbacks to “a lack of political will, funding deficits, and a pervasive culture of impunity.” She drew attention to the shrinking number of peacekeeping missions globally, warning that this has weakened the UN’s ability to monitor and respond to violations against women. In that regard, Rodrigues-Birkett endorsed UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s call for increased investment in gender-sensitive data collection, to better design and target humanitarian and peacebuilding responses.
“History has shown that peace is sustainable when root causes are addressed, where approaches are inclusive, and when weapons are laid down and solutions are sought through dialogue and diplomacy,” she stated. “This 25th anniversary must galvanise our collective efforts.” Rodrigues-Birkett urged member states to invest more political and financial capital to support women on the frontlines of conflict, guarantee their safety, and ensure their participation in decision-making at every level.
“Meaningfully including women in conflict prevention, resolution and reconstruction will yield greater dividends in all peace efforts,” she concluded, reaffirming Guyana’s unwavering commitment to defending women’s rights, advancing equality, and strengthening the global WPS agenda.