Not just a by-product of war, but a tactic used to ruin entire societies. Thus the UN Security Council defines rape in times of war and conflict. The Council came to this historic resolution last night on its monthly meeting in New York. It should give the United Nations more possibilities to act when mass rape occurs - previously often dismissed as inidividual excesses in war time. Retired general Patrick Cammaert, who was in command of the UN-troups in Eastern Congo for years, addressed the Council on his experiences. He stated that in times of war nowadays it is more dangerous to be a woman, than a soldier. Human Rights Ambassador Piet de Klerk stressed the role men have to play. They should be more aware that they act as role models, and openly call to account militia leaders and generals about their actions.
