The United Nations (UN)’s International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is annually observed across the globe on 19 June to raise awareness about the need to end Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) and honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence globally.
- The day also aims to pay tribute to those who have devoted or lost their lives fighting these crimes.
Theme:
The theme of International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict 2024 is “Attacks against health care in conflict-affected areas: Impacts for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence”.
- The 2024 observance emphasises healthcare and highlights that the hospitals and healthcare facilities should be safe shelters for all conflict-injured individuals, including sexual violence survivors.
2024 Event:
On 19th June 2024, an event to mark the observance of the day was organised in New York, the United States of America (USA). The event was co-hosted by the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (OSRSG-SVC), the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG CAAC), and the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the UN.
Background:
i.On 19th June 2015, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/69/293, proclaiming 19 June of each year the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
ii.The first-ever International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict was observed on 19th June 2016.
Why 19 June?
The date 19th June was chosen to commemorate the adoption the Security Council resolution 1820 (2008) on 19 June 2008, condemning sexual violence as a war tactic and a peacebuilding impediment.
Addressing Violent Extremism:
i.The Security Council Resolution (S/RES/2331 (2016)) adopted in 2016 was the 1st to address the link between trafficking, sexual violence, terrorism, and organised crime.
ii.The resolution recognised sexual violence as a terrorism tactic.
- It also affirmed that victims of such violence by terrorist groups should be eligible for official redress as victims of terrorism.
Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV):
i.Conflict-related sexual violence includes rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization, and forced marriage.
ii.It also refers to comparable forms of sexual violence against women, men, girls, or boys. This term also covers trafficking for sexual exploitation during conflicts.
iii.Fear and cultural stigma prevent most survivors from reporting. Experts estimate that for every reported rape, 10 to 20 cases go undocumented.
About Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (OSRSG-SVC):
i.The OSRSG-SVC is a key entity within the UN Secretariat that supports the SRSG-SVC, who is the UN’s spokesperson and advocate on CRSV.
ii.The Office was founded by the Security Council Resolution 1888 (2009). In 2010, the 1st Special Representative, Ms. Margot Wallström of Sweden, established the Office.
SRSG-SVC- Pramila Patten (Mauritius)
Headquarters– New York, The United States of America(USA)
