Convinced that this heinous practice constitutes a deliberate weapon of war in fulfilling the policy of ethnic cleansing carried out by Serbian forces in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and noting General Assembly resolution 47/121 of 18 December 1992, in which the Assembly stated, inter alia, that the abhorrent policy of ethnic cleansing was a form of genocide, Welcoming the establishment of an International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991, in pursuance of Security Council resolution 808 (1993) of 22 February 1993 and 827 (1993) of 25 May 1993, Desirous of ensuring that persons accused of upholding and perpetrating rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war in the areas of armed conflict in the former Yugoslavia will be brought to justice by the International Tribunal, where appropriate, Recognizing the extraordinary suffering of the victims of rape and sexual violence and the necessity for an appropriate response to provide assistance to those victims, Deeply alarmed at the situation facing victims of rape in the conflicts in different parts of the world, in particular in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the continuing use of rape as a weapon of war, Noting with appreciation the work of humanitarian organizations aimed at supporting the victims of rape and abuse and alleviating their suffering, Taking into account its resolution 37/3 of 25 March 1993, Expressing its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report entitled "Rape and abuse of women in the areas of armed conflict in the former Yugoslavia", 36/ Commending the Special Rapporteur for his report on the situation of human rights in the territory of the former Yugoslavia, 35/ 1. Strongly condemns the abhorrent practice of rape and abuse of women and children in the areas of armed conflict in the former Yugoslavia which constitutes a war crime; 2. Expresses its outrage that the systematic practice of rape is being used as a weapon of war and an instrument of ethnic cleansing against the women and children in the former Yugoslavia, in particular against Muslim women and children in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina; 3. Demands that those involved immediately cease those outrageous acts, which are in gross violation of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 33/ and the Additional Protocols 34/ thereto, and take immediate action to ensure the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with their obligations under those instruments and other applicable international human rights instruments; 36/ A/48/858. -26-