Sexual violence is a weapon of war, not collateral damage.
Used to deliberately terrorize women and girls, it often results in devastating physical and psychological trauma, including injuries and unwanted pregnancies. The trauma harms entire families and communities, and the impact can last for generations.
As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict this year, this war crime is on the rise. At the same time, global funding cuts have gutted programmes to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, including critical services such as medical treatment and psychosocial support, leaving millions of women and girls exposed to harm.
All too often, perpetrators of sexual violence operate with impunity. One of the most enduring realities of conflict-related sexual violence is that many cases go unreported for reasons including fear, shame and inadequate services. We must end impunity by upholding justice for all survivors – and guaranteeing their leadership in determining paths to peace, recovery and restitution.
Women and girls living in crisis zones are too often overlooked, at a time when they are at their most vulnerable. They need live-saving, survivor-centred services for sexual and reproductive health and mental health, as well as legal aid and safe, confidential spaces for healing and reporting crimes – without shame or blame.
Ending sexual and gender-based violence in conflict demands action and investment to strengthen prevention and protection services. We must not let the lights go out on women and girls in crisis.
