International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

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2023 Date19 June 2023
2024 Date19 June 2024

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International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is a day dedicated to raising awareness and bringing attention to the urgent need to eradicate sexual violence against individuals in conflict zones around the world. This observance aims to honour and support survivors, while also recognising the vital role played by survivors, advocates, and civil society organisations in preventing and addressing these heinous acts. Its purpose is to foster an international commitment to eradicate such violence and strengthen accountability for its perpetrators.

This important observance was first established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, in an effort to address the severe consequences of sexual violence on individuals, communities, and entire societies. The United Kingdom has long championed the cause at an international level, through its support and promotion of the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI), which has worked towards establishing foundations for long-term reforms to end the use of rape as a weapon of war. The relevance of this day for people in the United Kingdom comes from the undeniable fact that the suffering of those impacted by sexual violence in conflict is a humanitarian crisis, transcending geographic borders and demanding global attention.

The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is commemorated in the United Kingdom through various events, workshops, and conferences. These initiatives seek to promote awareness, engage members of civil society, and harness collective power to confront sexual violence in conflict effectively. The United Kingdom joins the global community in observing this day annually on June 19th, standing in solidarity with survivors and working towards the end of such devastating acts of violence.

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Facts about Sexual Violence in Conflict

  • According to the UN, it is estimated that globally, for each rape reported in connection with a conflict, 10 to 20 cases go undocumented.
  • According to the UN, conflict-related sexual violence encompasses rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization, forced marriage and any other form of sexual violence perpetrated against women, men, girls, or boys.
  • In 2015, the UK was one of the key countries to adopt UN Security Council Resolution 2242, promoting the significance of women's participation in peacekeeping and post-conflict recovery.
  • The UK Government established the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) in 2012 to address the culture of impunity surrounding these crimes and to encourage more effective domestic and international efforts to prevent and respond to sexual violence.

Top things to do in the UK for this observance

  • Explore the UN related site stoprapenow.org. They work with 19 UN entities to end sexual violence in conflict.
  • Explore the UN's youth exhibit on sexual violence in conflict. It features depictions and illustrations that touch on a theme of horror and hope.
  • Watch a documentary to learn more about the history of sexual violence in conflict areas and the UK's involvement. Here are some suggestions:
    1. No Fire Zone: The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka (2013). This documentary investigates the alleged war crimes committed against the Tamil Tigers by the Sri Lankan government during the final months of the Sri Lankan Civil War. The film highlights the role of the international community in responding to the crisis.
    2. The Prosecutors (2018). This documentary film follows three lawyers who take on cases of sexual violence in conflict zones around the world.
  • Read a book to learn more about the history of sexual violence in conflict areas. Here are our recommendations:
    1. Conflict-Related Sexual Violence: International Law, Local Responses by Tonia St. Germain and Susan Dewey
    2. Wartime Sexual Violence: From Silence to Condemnation of a Weapon of War by Kerry F. Crawford
    3. Rape as a Crime in International Humanitarian Law: Where to From Here? by Christine Chinkin

References and related sites

UN: International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

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