International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is a United Nations observance on June 19 to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence.
The theme of this year is “Bridging the gender digital divide to prevent, address and respond to conflict-related sexual violence“.
Significance of International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict:
- This day is commemorated every year to mark the date of adoption of first UN Security Council resolution to recognize conflict-related sexual violence as a threat to international peace and security.
- It highlights the issue of conflict related to sexual violence and inspire efforts to prevent it.
- According to the United Nations, ‘conflict-related sexual violence’ includes sexual slavery, forced prostitution, rape, forced pregnancy, forced marriage, enforced sterilization, forced abortion and other forms of sexual violence that are carried out against men, women, girls or boys.
Need for observance of International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict:
- Sexual violence in conflict is vastly underreported amid the terror and chaos of war. This growing crisis erodes prospects for peace, security and justice.
- Although women and girls experience the overwhelming majority of such violence, women peacebuilders, human rights defenders and those assisting survivors of sexual violence can be target as well.
- Those who survive wartime sexual violence including rape, forced marriage and sexual slavery are left with lasting physical and emotional scars, robbed of health, dignity, peace & justice. It deprives one’s human right to life, liberty and security of person
About United Nations:
- United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 & is headquartered in New York, United States.
- Its purpose is to keep pace with a rapidly changing world by achieving international cooperation and serve as a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations. It currently has 193 Member States
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