China condemns conflict-related sexual violence, urges joint action

China on Wednesday strongly condemned all forms of conflict-related sexual violence and called on all countries to join efforts to curb and combat such crimes.

Addressing a United Nations Security Council meeting on conflict-related sexual violence, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, condemned the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war and terrorism.

He said such acts constitute a grave violation of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, and inflict lasting trauma on victims, families and society.

"China strongly condemns and firmly opposes all forms of conflict-related sexual violence and calls on all countries to join forces to curb and combat the scourge," Fu said.

Fu said restoring peace and stability remains the fundamental prerequisite for eliminating conflict-related sexual violence, noting that armed conflict, social instability and the absence of the rule of law create conditions in which such crimes can spread.

"Only through peace and stability can sexual violence be curbed at its source and a conducive environment be created for justice and assistance," he said.

Fu called on the international community to remain committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes, strengthen preventive diplomacy and mediation efforts, facilitate ceasefires, fulfill obligations under international humanitarian law and enhance international cooperation against terrorism.

He also stressed that the countries concerned bear the primary responsibility for preventing and combating conflict-related sexual violence and protecting women and children.

He said the international community should respect the sovereignty and leadership of affected countries while helping them strengthen security and the rule of law and improve protection for victims.

Fu welcomed progress made by countries including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Colombia, saying cooperation with the United Nations had helped advance investigations and accountability, improve military and police management, and strengthen reparations and assistance for survivors.

Highlighting the need to better support survivors, Fu said funding shortages facing the United Nations and humanitarian agencies have forced assistance programs in many regions to scale back.

"The secretary-general's report indicates that the United Nations and international humanitarian agencies are facing severe funding shortages. Assistance programs in many regions have been forced to scale back, leaving many survivors of conflict-related sexual violence with nowhere to turn for help," he said.

Fu called on traditional donors, particularly countries bearing historical responsibilities, to provide stable and reliable financial support to affected countries and survivors, ensuring that commitments are translated into concrete action.

Beyond bringing perpetrators to justice, Fu said lasting solutions also require greater investment in women's empowerment and inclusive development.

"The international community should increase investment in development, bridge the development gap and support women, children and other vulnerable groups in sharing the fruits of development, thus laying a solid foundation for lasting peace and sustainable development," he said.

Fu also urged countries to avoid politicizing the issue of conflict-related sexual violence.

"Addressing this issue requires the international community to uphold objectivity and impartiality, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and avoid using the issue to trade accusations, create confrontation, or politicize and instrumentalize the matter," he said.

Fu said China stands ready to work with all UN member states to contribute to eliminating conflict-related sexual violence and safeguarding international peace and security.