New York | SRSG Sexual Violence in Confict
On 19 June 2016, we observed the first anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict to commemorate the breakthrough adoption on 19 June 2008 of Security Council resolution 1820 (2008), in which the Council condemned sexual violence as a tactic of war and impediment to peacebuilding. The day aims at raising awareness, showing solidarity with survivors and paying tribute to those working on the front lines to address this scourge. The day is commemorated at UNHQ with a photo exhibition from June 20 to July 1 at the Eastern Lobby and a panel discussion on June 21 at the ECOSOC Chamber.
The photo exhibition shows survivors who have been courageous to come forward – only 5 to 10% of victims dare to do so. There is Hajaru*, a Nigerian woman, who was held for seven months by Boko Haram fighters and raped repeatedly. A child was conceived out of the rapes. There is Mona, a Yezidi woman, who was bought as a sex slave, sold, then bought again and forced to have sex, up to six times a day. These two women, and others in the exhibition, are symbolic for countless other women and men in conflicts around the world, who still fall victims to the most horrific crimes of sexual violence.
The discussion on 21 June focused on justice and accountability, exploring one avenue for addressing conflict-related sexual violence. Accountability not only provides justice for survivors, but also can prevent further sexual violence, as it serves as a powerful deterrent. Recent landmark cases against political and military leaders demonstrate that the era of impunity for sexual violence as a tool of war is over.
More needs to be done. We must prioritize prevention and response efforts, empower survivors, deliver comprehensive assistance, and shift the shame and stigma to those who commit, command or condone those crimes.
We thank our colleagues all over the world who dedicate their life to this cause as well as photographers Seivan Salim, Andy Spyra, Diana Zeyneb Alhindawi and Will Storr for providing the powerful pictorials for the exhibit.
*None of the survivors pictured have used their real names.
For information on the event, please visit https://iseek-newyork.un.org/content/elimination-sexual-violence-conflict