Noting with deep concern the reports on the findings of the Special Rapporteur regarding rape and abuse of women in the territory of the former Yugoslavia, particularly in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 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, Stressing the importance of the work of the 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 and the need for appropriate funding, and in this context, encouraging the provision of all resources necessary, including full funding as well as voluntary contributions from States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, so that the Tribunal can continue its stipulated functions of trying those accused of and punishing those responsible for the perpetration of violations of international law, 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 and without further delay, Underlining, in this context, the need for the protection of the rape victims, and provision of effective guarantees of privacy and confidentiality of the rape victims, desirous of facilitating their participation in the proceedings of the Tribunal and ensuring that further traumatization will be prevented, Stressing the need for further development and strengthening of a programme for protection of witnesses and survivors of sexual abuse and rape as a war crime who provide testimonies, in order to provide effective protection against retribution, and in this context expressing its support for the Victims and Witnesses Unit of the Tribunal, 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 Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, humanitarian organizations, and non-governmental organizations aimed at supporting the victims of rape and abuse and alleviating their suffering, Taking into account its resolution 38/9 of 18 March 1994, 22/ 1. Strongly condemns the continuing 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; 22/ See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1994, Supplement No. 7 (E/1994/27), chap. I, sect. C. -16-