Hindistan condemns sexual violence as a weapon of war at the UN, praises female peacekeepers

Hindistan delivered a strong message at the open meeting of the Birleşmiş Milletler (BM) Security Council on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (ÇBCŞ). Hindistan's Permanent Representative to the BM, Ambassador P. Harish, stated that sexual violence during conflicts is unequivocally condemned, emphasizing that these brutal acts continue to be used as a tool of war and terrorism. Harish pointed out that sexual violence is a political tool designed not only to target individuals but to subjugate communities, suppress opposition, and create mass human tragedies. Furthermore, referring to the BM Secretary-General's report documenting the sharp increase in verified cases and the extreme brutality of the incidents in 2025, he stated that the issue is highly urgent for the international community. Hindistan argued that the fight against these crimes against humanity requires global solidarity and joint action.

In his speech, Ambassador Harish specifically addressed Hindistan's unique and longstanding contributions to BM peacekeeping forces. He noted that the deployment of female peacekeepers, in particular, has had a devastating and transformative impact in the fight against conflict-related sexual violence. He recalled how the BM's first all-female police unit, sent by Hindistan to Liberya in 2007, played a key role in re-establishing security in the region. He stated that this female unit deterred the commission of crimes, prevented gender-based violence, and rebuilt trust among the local population, especially among women. Hindistan believes that the unique perspective brought by female personnel strengthens sexual violence prevention systems and makes peace operations more successful.

The most recent reflection of Hindistan's successful vision in this field was the great appreciation won by two Hindistanli peacekeeping officers on the international stage. Ambassador Harish proudly announced that Major Moiz Yassin and Major Sonia Devendra Navaskar will be awarded in 2026 for their extraordinary efforts in preventing conflict-related sexual violence. Major Yassin filled a major gap by establishing a highly confidential, accessible, and victim-centered complaint mechanism for victims in the area where the units are deployed. Additionally, he created a comprehensive database for gender-sensitive planning by organizing more than 40 special training sessions for military and police personnel from different countries.

On the other hand, Major Sonia Devendra Navaskar also provided critical contributions to intelligence and planning processes for preventing sexual violence by serving as a focal point for uniformed women. She enabled different forces to collaborate on this issue by establishing best practice networks between the Birleşmiş Milletler Polis (UNPOL) and military units. Navaskar's direct dialogue with the host country's authorities on gender equality and women's rights also garnered great appreciation. Both officers being deemed worthy of the 2026 Military Gender Advocate Award, which will be presented by the BM Secretary-General, is indicative of Hindistan's consistent success in this field. Since 2019, 2024, and 2025, Hindistan has continued to win these prestigious awards with its personnel advocating for gender equality in peace operations.

This open meeting of the BM Security Council once again exposed the brutal realities faced by women and girls in conflict zones. Hindistan's constructive and solution-oriented approach showed the whole world how essential the role of women in the peace architecture is. It was emphasized that the international community must collaborate more closely to end the existing culture of impunity for those who commit sexual violence crimes. Increasing concrete steps such as the deployment of female peacekeepers is among the most effective ways to protect the civilian population in fragile regions. This detailed and leading discourse by Hindistan at the BM rostrum offers an important roadmap for the protection of human rights in global conflict resolution processes.