The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session this week, with China’s ambassador Fu Cong taking a firm stance against the alarming surge in sexual violence in conflict zones worldwide. Speaking on behalf of Beijing, he condemned the escalation of such atrocities, particularly in regions plagued by prolonged instability.
The diplomat highlighted the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as one of the most affected countries, where sexual violence has become a systematic weapon of war. He emphasized that these crimes violate international law and inflict irreversible trauma on victims, their families, and communities.
China’s position: sovereignty and collective action
Ambassador Fu Cong stressed that the primary responsibility for protecting civilians rests with national governments. He called for international respect for the sovereignty of nations grappling with these crises while urging enhanced support to bolster their security and legal frameworks.
« The international community must respect the authority of states while assisting them in strengthening their capacity to prevent and respond to sexual violence, » he asserted. « Only through robust cooperation can we ensure justice and protection for survivors. »
peace as the cornerstone of progress
The Chinese representative underscored that lasting peace is the only sustainable solution to eradicate sexual violence in conflict. He warned that prolonged wars, weakened governance, and social instability create fertile ground for such crimes to thrive.
« Peace is not just a goal—it is the foundation for all other efforts, » he stated. « The international community must prioritize diplomatic solutions, ceasefires, and the dismantling of armed groups that perpetuate these horrors. »
He also called for a unified global stance against terrorism and armed aggression, which exacerbate the vulnerability of women and children in conflict zones.
supporting survivors: a moral imperative
Beyond condemnation, Fu Cong highlighted the urgent need to strengthen assistance mechanisms for survivors. He noted that many regions, including parts of the DRC, suffer from critical funding shortages, leaving victims without access to medical care, psychological support, or legal recourse.
« The international community must fulfill its financial commitments and provide predictable, long-term aid to survivors, » he urged. « This is not just a humanitarian duty—it is a moral obligation. »
the dr Congo’s efforts under scrutiny
The session, chaired by the DRC, provided a platform for international partners to assess progress in combating sexual violence. While the Congolese government has implemented measures such as military reforms and survivor assistance programs, challenges persist in the eastern regions, where armed groups—both local and foreign—continue to exploit instability.
The ambassador commended the DRC’s proactive measures, including investigations, prosecutions, and reparations for victims. However, he cautioned that without broader regional stability, these efforts remain constrained.
a call for unity and action
As the Security Council debates the way forward, the message from China is clear: sexual violence in conflict is an affront to humanity, and its eradication requires both local resolve and global solidarity. The DRC’s ongoing struggle serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains.