WUNRN
UN News Center
UN S-G ENVOY FOR SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN
CONFLICT TO STEP DOWN
down next month
16 April 2012 – Margot
Wallström, who has been spearheading United Nations efforts to tackle sexual
violence in conflict, will step down from her post at the end of May due to
family considerations, it was announced today.
Ms. Wallström, a Swedish national who has been a long-time
advocate of the rights and needs of women, has served as Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s first
Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict since February 2010.
“The Secretary-General has accepted Ms. Wallström’s decision
with regret,” his spokesperson said in a statement.
Mr. Ban voiced his gratitude to Ms. Wallström, who has brought
“exceptional leadership” to this issue, channelling the voices of survivors and
victims into the Security Council, and demanding greater accountability and
justice at national and international levels.
It was during her tenure that the landmark Security Council
resolution 1960 was adopted in 2010, putting in place the tools for more
systematic monitoring and reporting of sexual violence, and for the
identification of perpetrators.
The Secretary-General will review possible replacements for Ms.
Wallström in due course.