At the UNSC, India strongly condemned conflict-related sexual violence, calling it a weapon of war and terrorism. Describing the role of women peacekeepers as important, India said that two Indian majors will receive the 2026 award from the UN for preventing sexual violence.
new york [यूएस]July 10 (ANI): India on Thursday (local time) strongly condemned conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). India described it as an instrument of war, terrorism, torture and political repression, used to subjugate communities, suppress dissent and cause human suffering.
Speaking at the open debate on ‘conflict-related sexual violence’ in the UN Security Council, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P Harish, said the UN Secretary-General’s report points to a sharp increase in verified cases in 2025, underscoring the urgent need for collective action. Ambassador Harish said, “Today’s open debate is on a topic that requires collective deliberation by Member States, especially in view of the findings of the UNSG report on conflict-related sexual violence, which confirms a sharp increase in verified cases in 2025 and the extreme brutality involved. Sexual violence continues to be used as a means of war, terrorism, torture and political repression to subjugate communities, suppress dissent and inflict human suffering. We strongly condemn such heinous acts flourishing amidst a culture of impunity.”
Important role of women peacekeepers
Highlighting India’s historical contribution to UN peacekeeping, Harish said the deployment of women peacekeepers has had a “transformational impact” in addressing conflict-related sexual violence. The Indian envoy said, “In India’s experience, the deployment of women peacekeepers is a proven measure in combating conflict-related sexual violence that has a transformative impact. The first all-women UN Formed Police Unit deployed by India to Liberia in 2007 was instrumental in creating an environment to tackle crime, prevent sexual and gender-based violence and help rebuild security and trust among people. The unique approach brought by women peacekeepers has also helped in strengthening systems to prevent CRSV. Does.”
Two Indian majors will get honours.
He further announced that Indian peacekeepers Major Moise Yasin and Major Sonia Devendra Navaskar will receive the UN Secretary-General’s ‘Military Gender Advocate of the Year’ Certificate of Recognition for 2026 for their outstanding efforts in preventing CRSV. Harish elaborated, “In this context, I would like to highlight the contribution of Major Moise Yassin, who as the Force Ombudsperson and Welfare Officer at UNMIS created an accessible, confidential and victim-centred channel for informal complaint reporting. She organized over 40 tailored sessions between troop and police-contributing countries and military observers, and also created a Force Gender Database for evidence-based gender-responsive planning Established.”
She added, “Another example is Major Sonia Devendra Navaskar, who is the focal point for women in uniform and a member of the UNMIS Gender Task Force. She worked actively towards intelligence and planning operations for CRSV prevention, built the UNPOL Military Best Practices Network, and engaged the host country on gender issues. I am pleased to share that both Major Moise Yasin and Major Sonia have been commended by the United Nations Secretary-General for their remarkable efforts.” “Military Gender Advocate of the Year” certificate for 2026. She follows in the illustrious footsteps of other peacekeepers of India who have been similarly honored in 2019, 2024 and 2025. (ANI)
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