STATEMENT BY
MR. SOFIAN AKMAL ABD KARIM
CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES A.I., PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE ANNUAL UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE
ON WOMEN, PEACE, AND SECURITY: IDENTIFYING INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES TO ENSURE ACCESS TO LIFE-SAVING SERVICES AND PROTECTION FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT ZONES
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL, NEW YORK,19 AUGUST 2025
Mr. President,
My delegation expresses appreciation to Panama for convening this important and timely debate. We also thank the Secretary-General for his report and the briefers for their invaluable insights.
2. Malaysia strongly condemns the use of sexual violence as a method of war, torture, and terror in armed conflict. The Secretary-General’s report reveals a 25 percent increase in verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence in 2024. This significant rise underscores the persistence of sexual violence as a weapon of war and a tool of repression in many conflict zones. The report also highlights that these crimes remain vastly underreported, especially in detention settings, and continue to affect communities long after conflict ends.
3. Malaysia is gravely concerned by the findings related to the situation in Palestine, especially Gaza. We note with serious alarm the Secretary-General’s decision to place Israel under formal notice for potential listing in the next reporting period, owing to credible allegations of sexual violence which continue without preventive action or accountability. Reports of sexual violence, including in detention, as well as during military operations in Gaza, demand our urgent attention.
4. To address these concerns effectively, Malaysia proposes the following priorities:
4.1 First, we reiterate the importance of demilitarisation, disarmament, and arms control. As highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report, the proliferation and widespread availability of weapons,contributes to an environment where sexual violence is enabled and sustained. Reducing arms and dismantling the infrastructure of violence are key steps toward prevention;
4.2 Second, we urge the strengthening of UN monitoring mechanisms. This includes full and unhindered access for MARA teams and other investigative bodies in all situations of concern, including in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Reliable data and independent verification are essential to understanding the full scale of sexual violence in conflict and ensuring accountability; and
4.3 Third, we highlight the importance of ensuring gender-responsive peacekeeping efforts. Malaysia continues to contribute actively to UN peacekeeping missions. Currently, 94 Malaysian women serve among 865 peacekeepers. Women peacekeepers build trust with local communities and provide essential support to survivors of CRSV.
Mr. President,
5. Malaysia welcomes the inclusion of the situation in Palestine in the current report. However, we regret that the information on sexual violence in Gaza remains insufficiently elaborated. We call for independent, impartial, and transparent investigations into all credible allegations of sexual violence, particularly those involving Israeli forces, without discrimination or double standards. Justice for victims and survivors must not be selective. It must be based on international law and consistently applied.
Mr. President,
6. Conflict-related sexual violence remains a widespread and devastating violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. The time for half-measures is long past. Only through coordinated international action, survivor-centered approaches, and genuine accountability can we begin to break the cycles of impunity and trauma. Malaysia remains fully committed to supporting the UN’s work on CRSV, advancing justice for survivors, and ensuring that every victim is seen, heard, and protected.
Thank you.