United Nations adopts weak resolution on sexual violence in conflict

Associated Press
Tuesday, April 23, 2019 4:25 p.m. | Tuesday, April 23, 2019 4:25 p.m.

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Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney and Iraqi human rights activist Nadia Murad Basee Taha attend a United Nations Security Council meeting at U.N. headquarters, April 23, 2019 in New York City. Member nations of the Security Council are considering a resolution concerning sexual violence in conflict, which would classify rape as a weapon of war. The United States has threatened a veto on the measure due to language on reproductive and sexual health, on grounds that such language could imply support for abortion.

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While Nadia Murad Basee Taha, right, listens, Amal Clooney speaks during a Security Council meeting on sexual violence at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

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Amal Clooney speaks during a Security Council meeting on sexual violence at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

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Amal Clooney participates in a Security Council meeting on sexual violence at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council has approved a watered-down resolution on combatting sexual violence in conflicts after eliminating language on providing “sexual and reproductive health care” to survivors of rape and abuse to get U.S. support.

The vote Tuesday on the German-drafted resolution was 13-0, with Russia and China, which had submitted a rival draft, abstaining.

.@UN Security Council passes resolution on violence against women in conflict @endrapeinwar https://t.co/nS9avFJgGz pic.twitter.com/9wBWqXDGqv

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) April 23, 2019

The resolution expresses the council’s deep concern at “the slow progress” in addressing and eliminating sexual violence in conflicts around the world. It says such acts often occur with impunity “and in some situations have become systematic and widespread, reaching appalling levels of brutality.”

It urges strengthened access to justice for victims, but eliminated a positive reference to the International Criminal Court’s work in prosecuting alleged perpetrators.