S/RES/1960 (2010)
United Nations
Security Council
Distr.: General
16 December 2010
Resolution 1960 (2010)
Adopted by the Security Council at its 6453rd meeting, on
16 December 2010
The Security Council,
Reaffirming its commitment to the continuing and full implementation, in a
mutually reinforcing manner, of resolutions 1325 (2000), 1612 (2005), 1674 (2006),
1820 (2008), 1882 (2009), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009) and 1894 (2009), and all
relevant statements of its President,
Welcoming the report of the Secretary-General of 24 November 2010
(S/2010/604), but remaining deeply concerned over the slow progress on the issue
of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict in particular against women and
children, and noting as documented in the Secretary-General’s report that sexual
violence occurs in armed conflicts throughout the world,
Reiterating deep concern that despite its repeated condemnation of violence
against women and children in situations of armed conflict, including sexual
violence in situations of armed conflict, and despite its calls addressed to all parties
to armed conflict for the cessation of such acts with immediate effect, such acts
continue to occur, and in some situations have become systematic and widespread,
reaching appalling levels of brutality,
Reiterating the necessity for all States and non-State parties to conflicts to
comply fully with their obligations under applicable international law, including the
prohibition on all forms of sexual violence,
Reiterating the need for civilian and military leaders, consistent with the
principle of command responsibility, to demonstrate commitment and political will
to prevent sexual violence and to combat impunity and enforce accountability, and
that inaction can send a message that the incidence of sexual violence in conflicts is
tolerated,
Recalling the responsibilities of States to end impunity and to prosecute those
responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other egregious
crimes perpetrated against civilians and, in this regard, noting with concern that
only limited numbers of perpetrators of sexual violence have been brought to
justice, while recognizing that in conflict and in post-conflict situations national
justice systems may be significantly weakened,
10-69834 (E)
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