India condemns conflict-related sexual violence at UN
India has called for stronger global action against conflict-related sexual violence, describing it as a weapon used to spread fear, suppress communities and deepen humanitarian crises. Speaking during a United Nations Security Council debate in New York, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P. Harish, said the growing number of verified cases reported in 2025 highlights the urgent need for coordinated international action.
UN report highlights rise in verified cases
Addressing member states, Harish referred to the latest report of the UN Secretary-General, which documented a significant increase in verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence during 2025. He said the findings demonstrate not only the scale of the problem but also the extreme brutality involved in many incidents.
According to the Indian representative, these crimes continue because of a culture of impunity that allows perpetrators to escape accountability. He stressed that sexual violence in conflict is used as a weapon of war, terrorism, torture and political repression, leaving survivors with lasting physical and psychological trauma. His remarks were based on the findings presented in the Secretary-General's report and discussions during the Security Council debate.
Women peacekeepers strengthen community trust
India also highlighted the positive role played by women peacekeepers in conflict zones. Harish said their presence has delivered measurable results in improving public confidence, protecting vulnerable communities and addressing gender-based violence.
He pointed to India's deployment of the world's first all-women Formed Police Unit to Liberia in 2007 under the UN peacekeeping mission. According to Harish, the unit helped create a safer environment by deterring crime, responding to sexual and gender-based violence, and rebuilding trust among local communities.
India calls for collective global action
Harish urged UN member states to work together to prevent conflict-related sexual violence and ensure stronger accountability for offenders. He said international cooperation, survivor support and effective peacekeeping remain essential for reducing these crimes and protecting civilians during armed conflicts.
India's intervention reflects its continued support for strengthening UN peacekeeping operations and advancing the role of women in peace and security initiatives. The country's remarks also reinforce the broader international effort to improve accountability, support survivors and prevent the use of sexual violence as a tactic of conflict.
As conflicts continue to affect civilians across several regions, the debate underscored that preventing wartime sexual violence requires sustained cooperation among governments, international organizations and peacekeeping missions. India maintained that protecting civilians, strengthening justice systems and expanding the participation of women peacekeepers should remain central to future UN efforts.
