The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said, “we must end impunity, silence and stigma for survivors of gender-based violence. There is #NoExcuse”
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| “1 in 5 forcibly displaced women and girls experience sexual violence” – UNCHR. Photo: @Refugees |
Today, Wednesday 19 June, 2024 is International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
According to un.org:
On 19 June 2015, the United Nations General Assembly (A/RES/69/293) proclaimed 19 June of each year the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, in order to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence, to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world and to pay tribute to all those who have courageously devoted their lives to and lost their lives in standing up for the eradication of these crimes.
The term “conflict-related sexual violence” refers to rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization, forced marriage and any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity perpetrated against women, men, girls or boys that is directly or indirectly linked to a conflict. The term also encompasses trafficking in persons when committed in situations of conflict for the purpose of sexual violence or exploitation.
A consistent concern is that fear and cultural stigma converge to prevent the vast majority of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence from coming forward to report such violence.
The UNHCR said: “It’s International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
Conflicts continue to escalate displacement and risks of gender-based violence.
We must end impunity, silence and stigma for survivors. There is #NoExcuse.
#EndRapeInWar “
