International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

While lamenting that the world continues to witness appalling levels of sexual violence in conflict, involving women, girls, boys and men, the United Nations chief is optimistic that there has also been clear progress and unprecedented political momentum to address these crimes.  “There have been landmark cases against political and military leaders, demonstrating that the era of impunity for sexual violence as a tool of war is over,” UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon said in a message for the first International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, observed on Sunday.   While paying tribute to the many thousands of caregivers, medical practitioners, advocates, and others on the frontline of this battle, who are fighting for change, Ban condemned Daesh, Boko Haram and other extremist groups that are using sexual violence as a means of attracting and retaining fighters, and to generate revenue.  Particularly condemning the abduction of more than 200 girls from Chibok, Nigeria, in 2014 and the continued tragedy of women and girls subjected to forced marriage or sexual slavery by extremist groups in the Middle East, the UN chief called for their immediate release and urged for the care and support of those who return. (Source: UN)