UK Statement to the OSCE Permanent Council on violence against individuals
Ambassador Dominic Schroeder's statement to the OSCE Permanent Council on preventing violence against individuals
Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Vienna, Austria.
Thursday 6th March, 2014
I fully support the statement made on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. I would like to add some remarks in a national capacity.
I’m grateful to the Chair for providing the opportunity to discuss this important issue, and to the Minister for taking the time to speak to us today. The UK takes this issue very seriously. Violence against individuals, whether domestically or during conflict, is unacceptable. The UK is introducing Domestic Violence Protection Orders, and the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as “Clare’s Law” after Clare Wood who was killed by her ex-partner in February 2009. This will allow the police to inform individuals of previous violent offences committed by a new or existing partner.
The UK also re-launched its “This is Abuse” campaign which is aimed at preventing teenagers, both boys and girls, from becoming victims and perpetrators of abusive relationships.
We will re-launch our “Violence against Women Action Plan” on 8th March.
Mr Chairman,
You have heard from me on several occasions already our clear focus on preventing sexual violence in conflict. This remains a high priority for the UK and we want the global community to mobilise to end this terrible crime. By working together, sharing our knowledge and experience, mobilising resources and committing our global political will, we are determined to end the use of rape and other forms of sexual violence as weapons of war. This crime must not be allowed to continue.
The UK will host the “End Sexual Violence in Conflict Summit” in London this June. The summit will consider a number of issues which are directly relevant to our discussions now, including women’s rights, international justice, impacts of conflict, etc. The aim of the summit is to create irreversible momentum behind the initiative and achieve practical action that impacts those on the ground.
I’m sure you will join us in working towards an end to these issues.