At its meeting today, the UN Security Council discussed the report of the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, released on March 4, following her visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. According to the report, there is reason to believe that women and girls were raped and tortured in various locations during the terrorist attacks coordinated by Hamas and other armed groups on October 7. In New York, Switzerland reiterated its condemnation of the terrorist acts and reiterated its condemnation of all sexual violence in conflicts. In addition, the Patten report assumes that the hostages still being held are being subjected to sexual violence. In New York, Switzerland also reiterated its call for their immediate and unconditional release.
Sexual violence in conflict situations is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and human rights. "It is therefore imperative that the Security Council unanimously condemns all conflict-related sexual violence in the context of the Middle East conflict, as in all armed conflicts, and takes action to prevent its recurrence," said Riccarda Chanda, Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the UN, at the Security Council meeting. She also emphasized that those responsible must be identified and held accountable. The relevant UN bodies must be guaranteed appropriate access. Switzerland drew attention to the ongoing investigations by the International Criminal Court. These are looking into all violations of international law in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory since October 7.
Switzerland also expressed its deep concern at the information contained in the report on forms of sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinian men and women in detention centers, during house searches and at checkpoints. It condemned the fact that the hostilities in Gaza continue to cause numerous civilian casualties, including nearly 9,000 women. According to the UN, 95% of mothers do not have enough to eat. During today's Council meeting, Switzerland reiterated the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza to release hostages, allow humanitarian access and protect civilians. "The Security Council must at all costs put an end to the current spiral of violence in the Middle East and relaunch a process of dialogue with a view to finding a political solution to this conflict, in which women play a key role," said the Swiss representative in New York.
