United Nations Declare June 19 as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

 

The United Nations on Friday June 19,2015 declared June 19 International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict to highlight abuses by armed extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State.
"Rape as a weapon of war must be stopped," said Sam Kutesa, president of the UN General Assembly, after it approved a new resolution naming the day.
"We should ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes and their superiors who condone their actions are held accountable and that victims get justice.
"Together we must prioritize prevention and response efforts, empower victims, provide comprehensive assistance and shift the stigma of shame from the victims of these crimes to those who commit them and condone them."
The date 19 June commemorates the breakthrough adoption in 2008 of UN Security Council resolution 1820, which recognized sexual violence as a tactic of war and a threat to global peace and security, requiring an operational security, justice and service response. It further recognized that rape and other forms of sexual violence can constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity and/or constitutive acts of genocide.
"Our challenge now is to translate advocacy and political will into concrete actions and protection on the ground," said the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Zainab Bangura.