Vietnam calls for enhanced protection of women and girls from sexual violence in conflict
WVR - On August 19, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, USA, the annual open discussion of the Security Council on the topic of Women, Peace, and Security took place, focusing on "Seeking New Solutions to Protect Victims of Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones".
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| Minister Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Deputy Head of Vietnam's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, speaks during the discussion session. |
The session was chaired by the Ambassador, Head of the Panama delegation – the President of the Security Council for August 2025 – with the participation and speeches from representatives of over 70 UN member countries.
Presenting the latest report of the UN Secretary-General on sexual violence in armed conflict, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Pramila Patten highlighted a concerning increase in 2024, with 92% of victims being women and girls.
Representatives from the United Nations and various countries shared common concerns about the risk of using sexual violence as a tactic in conflicts, as well as the increasing threats to women and girls when peacekeeping missions conclude.
Many delegates called for raising awareness, ensuring accountability, ending impunity for parties in conflict, and implementing measures to enhance protection, recovery, and timely access to essential support services for victims.
Speaking at the discussion, Minister Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Deputy Head of Vietnam's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, expressed concern over the rising sexual violence, hindering humanitarian access and essential services in conflicts.
The Vietnamese representative emphasized a comprehensive approach, placing victims at the center, while addressing the root causes of gender inequality; proposing to prioritize strengthening preventive measures, including the advancement of information technology applications in UN missions to enhance early warning capabilities.
The Deputy Head of Vietnam's Mission called for strengthening the protection of essential infrastructure for civilians in conflict, especially healthcare facilities, clean water systems, and shelters, ensuring victims can access recovery and reintegration services.
Highlighting Vietnam's related contributions at the United Nations, including leading efforts for the Security Council's adoption of Resolution 2573 (2021) on protecting essential civilian infrastructure in conflict, as well as efforts to implement the National Strategy on Gender Equality for 2021-2030 domestically, Minister Nguyen Hoang Nguyen affirmed Vietnam's commitment to continue collaborating with the international community to prevent sexual violence and protect women and girls in conflict.
