Actress Angelina Jolie on Monday urged the UN Security Council to tackle sexual violence in war zones, promoting strong actions from the international community on this issue.

Addressing a debate of the Security Council on women and peace and security, Jolie, the Special Envoy of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), emphasized the responsibility of the Council to step in and provide leadership and assistance for the countries who cannot act themselves on the issue, "for these crimes happen not because they are inherent to war, but because the global climate allows it."

"I understand that there are many things that are difficult for the UN Security Council to agree on. But sexual violence in conflict should be not be one of them," she said. "That it is a crime to rape young children is not something I imagine anyone in this room would not be able to agree on."

The Oscar-winner stressed that what is needed is political will. Every country in the world is affected by sexual violence, and all countries have a responsibility to step forward. "Rape as a weapon of war is an assault on security and a world in which these crimes happen is one in which there is not, and never will be, peace."

"If the Security Council sets rape and sexual violence in conflict as a priority, it will become one and progress will be made. If you do not, this horror will continue," the famed actress said.

Jolie, who is an activist and has visited refugee camps around the world, spoke for the victims of sexual violence in conflicts that "they suffer the most at the hands of their rapists, but they are also victims of this culture of impunity. That is the sad, upsetting and indeed shameful reality."

Soon after Jolie finished, the 15-member body voted unanimously to approve resolution 2106, by which it emphasized more consistent and rigorous investigation and prosecution of sexual violence crimes as a central aspect of deterrence, and ultimately prevention. Enditem

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