PURPOSE: The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. is commemorated every year on 19 June, which marks the date of the adoption of the first Security Council resolution to recognize conflict-related sexual violence as a tactic of war and threat to international peace and security as related in the United Nations Security Council Resolution S/RES/1820 of 2008). Recognizing that fragmented prevention and response efforts were an impediment to addressing conflict-related sexual violence, the Secretary-General’s Policy Committee endorsed Action as a critical joint UN system-wide initiative to guide advocacy, knowledge-building, resource mobilization, and joint programming around sexual violence in conflict. The network also sought to eliminate gaps and overlap in the response to Conflict-related Sexual Violence that resulted from the absence of a central coordination system.
FORUM: "Bridging the gender digital divide to prevent, address and respond to conflict-related sexual violence." International Day for the elimination of sexual violence in conflict 2023. The purpose of this observance is to stand in solidarity with the survivors, and those supporting them, to spark hope, knowledge and inspiration as we lift our voices to say: "End Rape In War". Every new wave of conflict brings with it a rising tide of human tragedy, including new waves of war's oldest, most silenced, and least condemned crime - sexual violence. Conflict-related sexual violence, whether against women, girls, men, or boys in all their diversity, continues to be used as a tactic of war, torture, and terrorism amid deepening political and security crises, compounded by militarization and the illicit proliferation of arms. let's highlight the urgency for States and non-State actors to bridge the gender digital divide in conflict settings, fight online violence against women and girls in all their diversity, and promote digital tools and platforms designed to amplify efforts to prevent and respond to sexual violence in conflict, while ensuring the realization of the human rights of all survivors. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #EndRapeInWar, #19June, #EliminateSexualViolence.
EVENTS: The Observance of the International day for the elimination of sexual violence in conflict 2023 will be held in the Conference Room 1 at UNHQ, on Monday, June 19th from 10:00 a.m to 10: 30 a.m EDT. The event will begin with opening remarks by the three co-hosts, followed by a short video from Her Royal Highness Maria Teresa, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and Global in the Fight against Sexual Violence in Conflict. A leading Colombian journalist, survivor, women's human rights defender and Global Champion in the Fight against Conflict-Related Sexual Violence will deliver a statement. This will be followed by remarks by the Director of Programme at Physicians for Human Rights (PHR). The coordinated work of the United Nations in "delivering as one" in the fight against conflict-related sexual violence will be presented by the Deputy Executive Director (Programme) and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), an active member of the United Nations Action network, which is chaired by the SRSG-SVC.To conclude, representatives of Member States, Regional Groups, and Civil Society will be invited to make brief interventions.
PODCASTS: It’s time to stand in solidarity with the survivors, and those supporting them, to spark hope, knowledge and inspiration as we lift our voices to say. Accountability as Prevention: Ending Cycles of Sexual Violence in Conflict Open Debate on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Let’s Bridge the gender digital divide in conflict settings. Get the campaign materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is celebrated to change attitudes that normalize CRSV in order to prevent future acts of sexual violence and end the stigma too-often borne by survivors. With increased political resolve and financial resources, we can match words with action and end the scourge of sexual violence in conflict, once and for all. Converting age-old cultures of impunity into cultures of deterrence requires consistent, visible, timely, and effective prosecution as a form of prevention. Yet, sexual violence as a tactic of war and terrorism, a tool of political repression and reprisal, and a driver of forced displacement, continues to be met with staggering rates of impunity and recidivism. This breeds further cycles of violence, which fracture social cohesion, and hinder reconciliation
ACTIONS
Raise society’s awareness of CRSV at all levels and End impunity for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
Advocate the adoption of strong national legal and policy frameworks on sexual violence and remedies for survivors.
Support national investigations and prosecutions for sexual violence crimes
Promote the safe participation of victims and witnesses in judicial processes.
Strengthen ability to deal with Conflict-Related Sexual Violence concerns through activities like training programmes and technical assistance.
Ensure a survivor-centred approach.
PARTNERSHIPS
The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, 19 June co-hosted by the Office of the SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Office of the SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict, the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations. Since 2008, significant progress has been made in enhancing global recognition of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) as a self-standing threat to collective security, an impediment to the restoration of peace, and a barrier to the realization of human rights and sustainable development. As such, it demands an operational security response, including survivor-centered protection, assistance, and accountability measures