In a world where sexual violence continues to shatter the lives of individuals and devastate communities affected by conflict, the United Nations and the European Union stand united in calling for action to address the intergenerational trauma that afflicts both survivors and their communities. The risk and threat of sexual violence rise significantly for women and girls in conflict settings and increase exponentially when they are displaced and forced to flee their homes. Often used intentionally as a weapon of war and a tool of repression, sexual violence causes deep, lasting physical and psychological harm. Its effects extend far beyond the individual, impacting entire generations, and leaving survivors, children born of wartime rape, and their families and communities grappling with stigma, marginalisation and unresolved trauma. True healing demands recognition, compassion, and the sustained commitment of both communities and institutions to address these enduring wounds.
Conflict-related sexual violence is not only a grave crime against individuals; it can also constitute a war crime when carried out as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against civilians. It represents a profound violation of our shared humanity and is a major obstacle to sustainable peace. Although the scars it leaves are often invisible, their effects are destructive and far-reaching, altering lives forever. Confronting this legacy requires steadfast political will and decisive action. Justice and accountability are essential; hence, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting all legal pathways to hold perpetrators accountable and to uphold the rights and dignity of survivors.
This commitment also extends to addressing the long-term consequences that ripple across generations – particularly by supporting children born of wartime rape, who are too often neglected in policy and assistance efforts – and by ensuring that survivors are not just treated as passive beneficiaries but as co-creators of solutions. As efforts to undermine the basic protection of human rights persist, we must intensify our resolve to combatting sexual violence. We urge member states and international bodies to strengthen legal frameworks to ensure perpetrators face justice, sending a clear and unequivocal message that such crimes will not go unpunished. Survivors and their children deserve comprehensive support and meaningful collaboration across sectors.
On this International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we reaffirm our unwavering solidarity and determination to uphold international obligations and work towards ending sexual violence in all its forms. Through this collective commitment, we can advance towards building a safer, more just, and equitable world for all.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Géraldine Boezio
Office of the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, New York
Tel: + 1 917 367 3306
Email: geraldine.boezio@un.org
Follow us on social media: @endrapeinwar
Anouar El Anouni
Spokesperson of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Brussels
Tel: +32 (0) 2 291 35 80
Mobile: +32 (0) 460 79 54 06
Email: Anouar.EL-ANOUNI@ec.europa.eu
