The Chinese ambassador to the United Nations Security Council, Fu Cong, on Wednesday condemned the escalating international instability that has characterized recent years. He particularly highlighted the intensification of sexual violence in conflict zones, which disproportionately affects women and girls.

According to him, the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and terrorism constitutes a blatant violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and international law. These acts not only trample on the dignity and fundamental rights of victims but also inflict lasting trauma on their families and communities.

During a UN Security Council session chaired by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), China firmly condemned all forms of sexual violence in conflict and urged all states to unite in preventing and combating such crimes. This position follows warnings from the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, about a dramatic surge in these crimes—more than doubling in a single year to unprecedented levels amid escalating wars and growing disregard for international law.

The DRC, where sexual violence persists in the eastern regions due to the activities of local and foreign armed groups—including the M23 rebellion backed by Rwanda—remains one of the most affected countries.

National sovereignty and international cooperation

Ambassador Fu Cong emphasized that respect for national sovereignty is a cornerstone of international relations. He argued that preventing and combating sexual violence, as well as protecting women and children, is primarily the responsibility of the states concerned. The international community, he stressed, must fully respect the sovereignty and authority of these nations while supporting them in strengthening their security and rule-of-law capacities to ensure justice and protection for victims.

He stated, “The Secretary-General’s report highlights that countries like the DRC and Colombia, in cooperation with the UN, have actively sought solutions tailored to their national contexts and made significant progress in investigations, prosecutions, military and police management, public reparations, and support for survivors and children. China commends these efforts.”

He added that China expects the UN Special Representative and expert groups to continue fulfilling their mandates and provide necessary support to affected countries in combating sexual violence.

Peace as the ultimate solution

The Chinese diplomat underscored that restoring peace and stability is the essential precondition for eradicating conflict-related sexual violence. He explained that armed conflicts, social unrest, and weakened rule of law create fertile ground for such crimes to proliferate.

“Only peace and stability can effectively address the root causes of sexual violence and create an environment conducive to judicial and humanitarian action,” he asserted. He called on the international community to embrace a shared vision of comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, prioritize peaceful dispute resolution, strengthen preventive diplomacy and mediation, promote ceasefires and conflict termination, uphold international humanitarian law obligations, and defuse tensions in conflict zones.

He concluded by affirming that the international community must maintain a zero-tolerance stance toward terrorism, enhance global cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, and resolutely combat all forms of terrorism.

Support for survivors: a moral imperative

Ambassador Fu Cong also addressed the urgent need to strengthen support mechanisms for victims. He stressed that helping survivors regain their physical and mental health and rebuild their lives is crucial for promoting justice, social equity, and sustainable stability.

He emphasized, “The international community should support conflict-affected countries in improving their assistance systems to ensure victims have access to comprehensive services—including medical care, psychological support, legal aid, education, economic reintegration assistance, and measures to combat stigmatization.”

He pointed out that the UN and international humanitarian agencies face severe funding shortages, forcing reductions in assistance programs in many regions and leaving numerous survivors without recourse. He urged traditional donors, particularly countries with historical responsibilities, to provide stable and predictable financial support to affected nations, victims, and survivors, and to fully honor their commitments.

The session took place against the backdrop of ongoing violence in the DRC, where women in conflict zones continue to suffer from sexual violence amid the actions of local and foreign armed groups, exacerbated by Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebellion. Despite diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the crisis, the situation on the ground remains dire, with parties to the conflict continuing to clash while accusing each other of failing to uphold agreements.