International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict 2024

Every year, on June 19, we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. This important day aims to raise awareness about the serious issue of sexual violence during wars and conflicts worldwide. It also focuses on finding ways to stop these terrible crimes.

The United Nations declared June 19 as this special day in 2015, commemorating the adoption of a resolution that condemned sexual violence as a tactic of war and an impediment to building peace.

Raising Awareness

The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is crucial for informing people about the atrocities happening globally. It also encourages everyone to speak up against these crimes.

Hoping for a Better Future

This day is about giving hope. It aims for people to work together for a future where everyone feels safe and secure. Each person can contribute today to make a better future.

Pointing Out Serious Problems

The day makes us reflect on societal issues and how conflicts and problems at home can lead to terrible crimes against women. Many people ignore these crimes, but this day is about shining a light on this serious issue.

Background

Definition and Prevalence

The term “conflict-related sexual violence” refers to rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization, forced marriage, and any other form of sexual violence perpetrated against women, men, girls, or boys that is directly or indirectly linked to a conflict. It also includes trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual violence or exploitation.

A consistent concern is that fear and cultural stigma prevent the vast majority of survivors from reporting such violence. Practitioners estimate that for each rape reported in connection with a conflict, 10 to 20 cases go undocumented.

UN Resolutions

On 19 June 2015, the United Nations General Assembly (A/RES/69/293) proclaimed 19 June of each year as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. This aims to raise awareness of the need to end conflict-related sexual violence, honor the victims and survivors, and pay tribute to those who have devoted their lives to eradicating these crimes.

The date was chosen to commemorate the adoption of Security Council resolution 1820 (2008) on 19 June 2008, in which the Council condemned sexual violence as a tactic of war and an impediment to peacebuilding.

In response to the rise in violent extremism, the Security Council adopted resolution S/RES/2331 (2016), the first to address the nexus between trafficking, sexual violence, terrorism, and transnational organized crime. It acknowledged sexual violence as a tactic of terrorism and affirmed that victims of trafficking and sexual violence committed by terrorist groups should be eligible for official redress as victims of terrorism.