The United States has been accused of diluting a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at ending sexual violence in conflict, after removing references to sexual and reproductive health over abortion concerns. The resolution, sponsored by Germany, initially included language urging comprehensive health services for survivors, but the US, along with China and Russia, threatened a veto unless the phrase was dropped.
The amended text, which condemns the use of rape as a weapon of war, was adopted 13-0 on Tuesday, with Russia and China abstaining. The removed phrase had recognised the importance of providing timely assistance to survivors, including non-discriminatory health services. French ambassador Francois Delattre called the change 'intolerable and incomprehensible', stating that women and girls who become pregnant through sexual violence in conflict 'should have the right to terminate their pregnancy'.
The resolution also removed a reference to a UN monitoring body that would report acts of sexual violence. The weakening drew criticism from UK Labour MP Emily Thornberry, who said it 'beggars belief' that President Donald Trump threatened a veto on the same day Prime Minister Theresa May plans a state visit. Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, who attended the meeting, urged the Security Council to vote in favour, calling it a 'Nuremberg moment'.
Two 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winners, Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad, joined Clooney in advocating the original text, while German foreign minister Heiko Maas and actress Angelina Jolie co-wrote an article supporting it. The US was represented by acting ambassador Jonathan Cohen; the ambassador post remains vacant since Nikki Haley's resignation.
