International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict – June 19th

Every year on June 19th, the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict serves as a crucial opportunity to raise awareness about the devastating impact of conflict-related sexual violence.  We honor and stand in solidarity with all victims and survivors worldwide.  #EliminateSexualViolenceInConflict

Understanding the Scope of the Crisis

The true scale of conflict-related sexual violence remains hidden, largely due to the reluctance of victims to come forward and the immense challenges in gathering accurate data.  Obstacles include fear of reprisal, cultural stigma, and the complex and dangerous environments in which these crimes occur.  In some regions, even humanitarian workers attempting to document these horrific acts face threats and intimidation.  Countries like Mali, Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Liberia, among others, have experienced significant incidences of this violence.  This list unfortunately represents only a fraction of affected regions.

Defining Conflict-Related Sexual Violenc

The United Nations defines conflict-related sexual violence broadly as any of the following acts perpetrated during or in the context of armed conflict:

Rape: The unlawful penetration of a person without consent.

Sexual slavery: The enforced and exploitative sexual abuse of another person.

Forced prostitution: The forced involvement of a person in the commercial sexual industry.

Forced pregnancy: The forced confinement and exploitation of a woman for the purpose of bearing a child.

Trafficking: The illegal movement and exploitation of individuals for various purposes, often including sexual exploitation.

Forced abortion: The forced termination of a pregnancy against the will of the woman.

Forced marriage: The forced union of a person with another person without their free and informed consent.

Enforced sterilization: The forced sterilization of an individual.

Beyond the Numbers: Victims and Survivors 

Conflict-related sexual violence targets not only women and girls, but also men and boys.  The immense psychological and physical trauma endured by victims often perpetuates a cycle of suffering.  Fear of retribution, societal stigmas, and cultural norms often prevent survivors from seeking justice and support.  Without their voices, perpetrators are emboldened, and the cycle of violence continues.

The UN's Response and Recommendations

The UN Secretary-General annually publishes a report on conflict-related sexual violence, offering specific recommendations to affected nations.  Key components of these recommendations consistently include:

Survivor-centered justice: Implementing systems that prioritize the needs and rights of survivors, with special consideration for the trauma they have endured.

Holistic support systems: Providing comprehensive medical, psychological, and social services tailored to the unique needs of survivors.

Strengthening preventive measures: Addressing the root causes of this violence and implementing measures to prevent future acts.

**How You Can Help (Observing the Day)**

We can all play a part in combating conflict-related sexual violence.  On this day and beyond:

Raise awareness: Share information about the issue on social media using the hashtag #InternationalDayForTheEliminationOfSexualViolenceInConflict.

Support organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations working to protect and support survivors.

Demand accountability: Advocate for governments to address the issue, document cases accurately, and prosecute perpetrators.

Encourage victims to speak out:  Promote understanding of the trauma and obstacles survivors face and encourage them to find help through safe channels.

A History of Action: Recognizing the Importance of the Day

June 19th was designated by the UN General Assembly as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict in 2015 to commemorate the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1820 (2008), which formally condemned sexual violence as a weapon of war and a significant obstacle to peace.  This crucial declaration recognized the urgent need for action.