NEW YORK, JUNE 19 – Sexual violence in conflict is a “threat to our collective security” and a “stain on our common humanity”, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. Calling the scourge “a tactic of war, to terrorize people and to destabilize societies”, Guterres underscored that its effect can echo across generations through trauma, stigma, poverty, long-term health issues and unwanted pregnancy. He urged that survivors should be heard and their needs recognized.
“Our global response must include more concerted action to ensure accountability for the perpetrators – and to address the gender inequality that fuels these atrocities”, stressed Mr. Guterres, adding that “together, we can and must replace impunity with justice; and indifference with action”.
2019 marks the 10-year anniversary of the establishment of the mandate and Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict. Over the past decade, there has been a paradigm shift in the understanding of the scourge of conflict-related sexual violence and its impact on international peace and security, the response required to prevent such crimes and the multidimensional services needed by survivors. Despite this paradigm shift, it remains essential to recognize and tackle gender inequality as the root cause and driver of sexual violence, including in times of war and peace. The UN endorses a survivor-centred approach to counter, prevent, and alleviate conflict-related violence in conflict and post-conflict situations.
In Rome, the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its strong commitment to prevent and counter sexual and gender-based violence in conflict, to end impunity for this crime and guarantee justice for victims, a message spread on Twitter by the Italian Permanent Missions to the UN in New York and Geneva.
Sexual violence in conflict constitutes “a grave human rights violation with devastating physical, psychological and social consequences” that “impede economic development, social cohesion and sustainable peace and security”, said Federica Mogherini, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Pramila Patten, UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, in a joint statement marking the day.
“Sexual violence is a crime that is preventable, not inevitable”, they maintained, which they say is why the UN and EU are committed to strengthen their work in “prevention, protection and prosecution, as well as in terms of holistic support to survivors to help them rebuild their lives and livelihoods within their families and communities”.(@OnuItalia)
