UNITED NATIONS -- A Chinese diplomat on Monday urged the international community to eliminate the root causes of sexual violence in conflict, calling for overall development of women.

Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks at an open debate of Security Council on women and peace and security.

"Protection of gender equality and women's rights is true reflection of human civilization and progress. It's also related to the world peace and development," Wang said, who highlighted the importance of full development of women.

"The international community should eliminate the sources of conflict, devote major attention to economic and social development, advance the status of women in real terms and make the empowerment of women a reality," he noted.

Meanwhile, the envoy called on the Security Council, which is the primary body tasked with maintaining peace and security, to focus on conflict prevention, dispute mediation and post-conflict peacebuilding, so as to create "political, security and legal environments conducive to eliminating sexual violence."

In the meeting, the Chinese diplomat also pointed out that governments bear the primary responsibility in protecting women, and combating sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations.

"The fight against sexual violence in conflict must be carried out on the basis of full respect of national sovereignty," Wang told the Council.