International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict
GHRTV
20.06.2023
Laura Hochheim Thomé
Women’s Rights Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence.
In periods of conflict, women and girls are disproportionately affected and the most vulnerable to multiple forms of violence, especially, sexual violence. In those settings, the lack of education, health and employment, as well as displacement is aggravated, which makes girls more susceptible to gender-based violence, such as rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization and forced marriage (UN, n.d). These various types of violence are systematically used as a tactic of war and a military strategy. In 1993, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia recognized rape as a crime against humanity, a war crime and a form of genocide and torture.
In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the 19 of June to be the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. This date was selected in order to celebrate the adoption of the Security Council resolution 1820 (2008), the first to focus on sexual assault in conflict conditions, where the Council condemned sexual violence as a tactic of war and an impediment to peacebuilding (UN, n.d). Each year since, the international community comes together as one to raise awareness, fight against gender-based violence in armed conflicts and honor the victims and survivors and those who devoted their lives to fight against this massive human rights violation (UN, n.d).
After 2008, several resolutions regarding the subject were adopted. In particular, resolution 2242 (2015) was the one that indicated that acts of sexual and gender-based violence can be used as a tactic of terrorism. Additionally, Resolution 2467 (2019) urges the adoption of a survivor-centered approach to address sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations (OHCHR, n.d).
This year’s focus relies on technology. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) can either create threats and incite gender-based violence, or enable the empowerment of women and girls, for example by increasing the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence. The message that June 19 brings this year is that affordable and reliable technology must be guaranteed to all and should be seen as a way to eradicate those multiple acts of violence in conflict settings (UN, n.d). The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, affirms its commitment to increasing efforts to prevent such violations:
"That means listening to survivors. It means governments incorporating international humanitarian law into national laws, military rules and training. And it means holding perpetrators to account, so that they face justice – we must confront the belief that fighters can inflict horror with impunity." (UN, 2023)
Each year, we are faced with a growing number of world conflicts and despite increased international efforts, women and girls still face multiple challenges. The difficulties faced mainly by women and girls, but also cisgender men and boys and LGBTQI+ people, unfortunately, are not restricted to conflicts but also post-conflict. The survivors face lasting physical and psychological scars; insecurity and fear that keeps them from seeking support, as well as a lack of justice (UNFPA, 2023). Escalating situations requires urgent measures that must be acknowledged and discussed daily, not only on the 19 of June.
Sources and further readings:
OHCHR (n.d). Women’s human rights and gender-related concerns in situations of conflict and instability. Retrieved on June 19, 2023 from
UN (n.d). International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, 19 June. Retrived on June 19, 2023 from https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-sexual-violence-in-conflict-day
UN (2023) International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, 19 June, Secretary-General's message — 2023. Retrived on June 19, 2023 from https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-sexual-violence-in-conflict-day/messages
UNFPA (2023). International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. Retrived on June 19, 2023 from https://www.unfpa.org/events/international-day-elimination-sexual-violence-conflict
