Tal
Livgardet, Kungsängen 24 januari 2012
Sten Tolgfors, Försvarsminister

Inledningsanförande vid invigningen av Center for Gender in Military Operations

Ladies and gentlemen,

War and conflict always bring terrible human losses. But not only are lives lost. Human rights are often violated, and there is a deterioration of and loss of respect for norms and values.

People are dehumanised. Violence against civilians is justified - and sometimes glorified - by fighting parties. Drugs, threats and brainwashing are used to lower the thresholds for violence and abuse against women and children. Not least in African conflicts.

When power, money, life and land are at stake, respect for human integrity and the equal value of all human life are lost.

Those affected by the consequences of this are often those who already are the most vulnerable. Atrocities often come when the goal of a fighting party not only is to win the battle - but instead to undermine a society in order to destroy it´s long term capability of resistance.

Rape and violent sexual assault are used as a cheap weapon of mass destruction. Abuse and atrocities are deliberate, carried out to suppress and demoralize the enemy. We have all seen the reports from Congo - where hundreds of thousands of women, girls and children are subjected to systematic rape, as a part of the warfare.

Sexual violence isn't something that just "happens". It is done systematically and deliberately. The purpose is to destroy families and to paralyze societies for long periods of time.

Sexual violence against civilians is a crime against fundamental human rights. Fighting violence against women and children is one of the most important duties of the international community.

This type of violence stems from discriminating attitudes toward women and children. These attitudes need to be changed if safe, stable and just societies are to be upheld. By working steadily, long-term - and among the people we strive to help - we can help sustainable change - and improvement.

The seriousness of these problems is highlighted by UN Resolution 1325.

But it is imperative that Resolution 1325 is not perceived as something aside or separated from other efforts. Rights of civilians, women and children, must be a natural and integrated part of all that we do to support peace and security.

Without gender equality, without equal human rights for all, there is no basis for reconciliation - or for long lasting peace and security.

The entire population of a country must be involved in securing peace and development. The role of women in conflict prevention, crisis management, conflict resolution and peace building is essential.

Sweden's contributions to international peace keeping missions - for instance in Afghanistan - are fundamental to the security of civilians and for the safety of women.

We simply can´t do our job in conflict areas properly, unless we learn about the mechanisms of abuse of women and children, that often takes place in the shadow of war. Swedish soldiers and seamen must to be able to prevent abuse, detect abuse - and be able to face the victims and their needs and offer them solace and support.

I am proud that the Armed Forces now establishes a Nordic Gender Centre, placed here at Livgardet. It is the first of its kind in the world. It will contribute to further developing the knowledge of gender related issues in the Nordic countries.

I see it as a recognition of the knowledge and commitment of all of you here today who have worked for years to increase the security of women in conflict areas.

The Centre will play an important role in preparation of our troops - and the troops of our partners and neighbours - for international missions. The Centre will set the focus required on the issues and put them on the political agenda internationally.

Sweden is - and should be - committed and accomplished in the area of gender equality. We believe in equal human rights for all, no matter gender, age, or colour of skin. We must live by them in all that we do.

Sweden will consequently act to ensure the equal rights of all human beings in international politics, in international civil and military missions, in upholding the core values of the Armed Forces and in the recruitment of both women and men to the Armed Forces.

This way, we do our best to ensure that the values we believe in also will be upheld for women and children in zones of conflict.

Thank you.