Sexual violence in conflict is a rising, troubling trend in the world – so much so, that in 2015 the United Nations General Assembly designated June 19th the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. “Conflict-related sexual violence (aka CRSV) 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.”
This international date is a joint effort of the United Nations to support country-level efforts to prevent conflict related to sexual violence, improve coordination and accountability, and respond to survivors more effectively. The date, June 19th, was chosen specifically to commemorate the UN Security Council Resolution 1820 (2008) in which sexual assault was first recognized as a weapon of war rather than an unintended side effect. During this current COVID-19 pandemic, CRSV has intensified due to a limiting of availability of authorities to respond. If you’re interested in contributing to the cause, check out organizations such as the National Sexual Violence Resource Center and The Relief Fund for Sexual Assault Victims amongst many, many others. These organizations and those like them are crucial to supporting survivors and making a difference.
For more detailed information, please visit the following link to the UN website: https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-sexual-violence-in-conflict-day AND https://www.un.org/sexualviolenceinconflict/about-us/un-action/
