The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is an annual observance held on June 19th to raise awareness and commemorate the victims and survivors of sexual violence in conflict situations around the world. This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 to draw attention to the widespread and systematic use of sexual violence as a tactic of war and armed conflict. Sexual violence in conflict is a grave human rights violation that disproportionately affects women and girls, although men and boys are also targeted. It can take many forms, including rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, and other forms of sexual abuse. This violence not only inflicts immense physical and psychological harm on the victims, but it also has broader societal impacts, destabilizing communities and undermining efforts to achieve peace and security.
What is the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict?
The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is an annual observance held on June 19th to raise awareness and commemorate the victims and survivors of sexual violence in conflict situations around the world.
When was this day established?
This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.
What is the purpose of this observance?
The purpose is to draw attention to the widespread and systematic use of sexual violence as a tactic of war and armed conflict.
Who is disproportionately affected by sexual violence in conflict?
Sexual violence in conflict disproportionately affects women and girls, although men and boys are also targeted.
What are some forms of sexual violence in conflict?
Sexual violence in conflict can take many forms, including rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, and other forms of sexual abuse.
What are the impacts of sexual violence in conflict?
Sexual violence in conflict inflicts immense physical and psychological harm on the victims, and also has broader societal impacts, destabilizing communities and undermining efforts to achieve peace and security.
What is the call to action for this observance?
The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict serves as a call to action, urging the international community to take concrete steps to prevent and respond to these atrocities, support survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Why is it important to have a dedicated day to address this issue?
Having a dedicated day helps to raise global awareness about the issue of sexual violence in conflict, which is often overlooked or minimized. It provides a platform to amplify the voices of survivors and advocate for greater action and accountability.
How widespread is the problem of sexual violence in conflict situations?
Sexual violence in conflict is a global problem that occurs in many regions of the world, including in active war zones as well as post-conflict settings. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people, the majority of whom are women and girls, are subjected to sexual violence during armed conflicts each year.
What are some of the root causes and contributing factors to sexual violence in conflict?
Factors that contribute to sexual violence in conflict include the breakdown of rule of law, the use of rape as a tactic, the availability of small arms, the normalization of violence, and pre-existing gender inequalities and discrimination in societies.
How can the international community respond to and prevent sexual violence in conflict?
Responses include strengthening legal frameworks and accountability mechanisms, providing comprehensive support services for survivors, addressing the gender inequalities that enable sexual violence, and ensuring the participation of women in peace and security processes. Prevention efforts should focus on promoting a culture of respect for human rights and gender equality.
