The vote on the German-drafted resolution was held after intense last minute negotiations and additional changes in wording. Both those countries said they opposed sexual violence in conflicts, but denounced “lax interpretations” in the text and a ‘manipulated’ struggle to create new UN structures and ‘override’ mandates already approved. “I agree that we are facing an epidemic of sexual violence. It’s scandalous.”In a joint statement, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden said they “deeply regretted” the lack of reference to victims’ rights due to the threat of a US veto. “Services for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, such as access to emergency contraception and safe termination of pregnancies, must be strengthened,” noted Norwegian ambassador Mona Juul.

Source: The Express Tribune April 24, 2019 06:27 UTC