The United Nations (UN’s) International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed globally on 19 June every year to raise awareness about the need to end Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) and to honour the victims and survivors of such violence.
- The day also pays tribute to those who have dedicated or lost their lives combating these crimes.
- June 19, 2025, marks the 11th observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
Theme:
The theme for the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is “Breaking the Cycle, Healing the Scars: Addressing the Intergenerational Effects of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV).”
- The theme highlights the long-term, intergenerational harms caused by CRSV and calls for inclusive healing paths.
Background:
i.On June 19, 2015, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/69/293, proclaiming June 19 as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
ii.The date commemorates UN Security Council resolution 1820, adopted on 19 June 2008, which condemned sexual violence in war and for the first time recognized rape as a tactic of war and a threat to peace.
iii.The first observance of the day was held on June 19, 2016.
What is CRSV?
i.Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) encompasses acts such as rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization, and forced marriage.
ii.It affects women, men, girls, and boys, either directly or indirectly, linked to conflict situations.
iii.CRSV also includes human trafficking for sexual exploitation or violence in conflict zones.
iv.A major challenge in addressing CRSV is underreporting, as fear and cultural stigma deter nearly 90% of survivors from coming forward.
- Experts estimate that for every one case of rape reported, 10 to 20 incidents go undocumented in conflict settings.
Key UN Security Council Resolutions:
i.S/RES/1820 (2008): Condemns sexual violence as a war tactic; first to label rape a war crime
ii.S/RES/1888 (2009): Mandates a Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict and strengthens UN peacekeeping efforts
iii.S/RES/1960 (2010): Calls for ending impunity, improved healthcare, legal support, and accountability
iv.S/RES/2106 (2013): Empowers protection mechanisms, prosecution, and addresses root causes
v.S/RES/2331 (2016): Links sexual violence with extremist tactics and ensures survivors are recognised as victims of terrorism, eligible for redress.
2025 Events:
On June 19, 2025, the UN headquarters in New York, United States of America (USA), hosted the event to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
i.The event aimed to stand in solidarity with survivors and support networks, and to share knowledge on addressing the intergenerational impacts of CRSV.
ii.It was jointly organised by:
- Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (OSRSG-SVC)
- Office of the Special Representative on Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG-CAAC)
- Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations
About the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (OSRSG-SVC):
The OSRSG-SVC is an office of the United Nations (UN) Secretariat that supports the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC), who serves as the UN’s spokesperson and political advocate on matters related to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV).
Head – Pramila Patten (Mauritius)
Headquarters – New York, the United States of America (USA)
Established – 2009
