The U.S. delegation to the U.N. is threatening to veto a new resolution that aims to prevent rape from being used as a weapon of war, while also helping its victims, The Guardian reported Monday.
U.N. special representative on sexual violence in conflict, Pramila Patten, told The Guardian that their are fears this resolution won’t pass because of the U.S. threats to veto this bill over the selection of words used.
“We are not even sure whether we are having the resolution tomorrow, because of the threats of a veto from the US,” Pramila Patten said. “They are threatening to use their veto over this agreed language on comprehensive healthcare services including sexual and reproductive health. The language is being maintained for the time being and we’ll see over the next 24 hours how the situation evolves.”Meanwhile, a U.N.-based source told CNN that the U.S. has a “red line” when it comes to mentioning sexual and reproductive health in a broad resolution. The German delegation to the U.N. has since revised the resolution to appease the U.S. and help get the new bill passed. According to CNN, the edits were made by Andreas Glossner, vice chair of the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women. The vice chair removed references to “health services” and the “sexual and reproductive health” of victims of sexual violence.
Since Trump took office, his administration has taken active measures to avoid supporting efforts and organizations that provide abortion services to women, including the victims of rape.
