sexual violence in conflict

UN Photo/Nabil Midani

Wartime sexual violence a ‘psychological weapon’, sets back cause of peace

17 July 2020
Peace and Security

Sexual violence is used as a war tactic and a political tool to dehumanize, destabilize and forcibly displace populations across the globe, the UN’s expert on the issue told the Security Council on Friday, pressing countries to adopt a survivor-centred approach that ensures victims will not be forgotten.

UN Photo/Loey Felipe

South Sudan: UN official welcomes release of women and children abducted by armed group

4 February 2020
Women

The expert leading UN efforts to stamp out sexual violence committed during wartime has welcomed the release of 78 women and 50 children by an armed group in South Sudan. 

UN Women/Arachika Kapoor

Violence against women a barrier to peaceful future for all

25 November 2019
Women

Senior officials from across the United Nations on Monday stood in solidarity with survivors of violence against women and activists working to end the all-too common human rights violation.

UN Photo/Mark Garten

Reparations for sexual violence in conflict – ‘what survivors want most, yet receive least’

30 October 2019
Peace and Security

Ten years ago, the UN Security Council established a mandate to prevent and address the scourge of conflict-related sexual violence. At a commemorative event on Wednesday, the UN deputy chief described that commitment as essential to “highlight, prevent and seek justice for this crime”.

Aubrey Graham/IRIN

Joint UN-Red Cross appeal to end rising sexual violence as a weapon of war

25 February 2019
Human Rights

Sexual violence in conflict - and the stigma that survivors often face - must be addressed urgently, UN chief António Guterres said on Monday, in a joint appeal for more funding and international action, together with the head of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer.

UNHCR / D. Nahr

FEATURE: Sold for a packet of cigarettes – UN envoy fights to help women suffering sexual violence in the Middle East

18 June 2015
Women

A young man wants to smoke a cigarette but does not have the money to buy a pack.

UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Ban urges concerted action to ‘turn the tide’ on sexual violence in conflict

12 June 2014
Noting that sexual violence in conflict remains widespread, yet largely invisible, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for concerted efforts to “turn the tide” and rid the world of this scourge.
UNHCR/O. Laban-Mattei

At global summit, UN envoy Angelina Jolie calls for end to sexual violence in conflict

10 June 2014
Hollywood actress, activist and United Nations Special Envoy Angelina Jolie today called for concerted action to end once and for all the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war.
UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré

UN envoy calls on all parties in Syria conflict to cease acts of sexual violence

15 February 2013
A senior United Nations official today called on all parties in the conflict in Syria to immediately cease all forms of sexual violence, as well as release abducted women and children.