The US Objects to UN Resolution to End Sexual Violence In War

The  United Nations sought to pass a resolution to end sexual violence in war.  One would assume that opposition to the resolution would scarce.  But the United States managed to do so.  Celebrities urged the US to join in the resolution with George Clooney asking the US to stand on “the right side of history” and Angelina Jolie co-authored an op-ed urging that perpetrators of sexual violence be held accountable.   

And why would the US threaten to veto this Security Council resolution?  Because of its references to sexual health. As the Washington Post reported, “The move to water down Tuesday’s resolution followed weeks of U.S. objections to remove all references to reproductive and sexual health, which the U.S. delegation feared would be understood as support for abortions.”  The US opposed the reference to the women and girls raped in conflict having a right to access sexual and reproductive health services.  

Empowered by US opposition, China and Russia then opposed the resolution’s provision expanding NGOs ability to track perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict.  

The resolution ultimately passed with references to sexual health rights removed.  Russia and China abstained. 

Perhaps it is time to re-visit veto power on the Security Council.  

If there is any good news in this saga, it is that other countries acknowledged the US administration’s consistent efforts to undermine and eliminate women’s rights.