The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict - 19 June 2024

Tags: Important Days

The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed annually on 19 June to raise global awareness and honor victims and survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV).

An Overview of the News

• The 2024 theme is "Attacks against health care in conflict-affected areas: Impacts for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence."

• The focus highlights the need for safe healthcare environments, crucial for all conflict-injured individuals, including survivors of sexual violence.

2024 Event

• On 19 June 2024, an event was held in New York, USA, co-hosted by the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (OSRSG-SVC), Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG CAAC), and the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the UN.

Background and Significance

• Origin: Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in resolution A/RES/69/293 on 19 June 2015.

• Resolution 1820 (2008): Adopted by the UN Security Council on 19 June 2008, condemning sexual violence as a tactic of war and an obstacle to peacebuilding.

• Addressing Violent Extremism: Resolution S/RES/2331 (2016) recognized sexual violence as a tactic used by terrorist groups, ensuring victims are eligible for official support.

Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV)

• Definition: Includes rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization, forced marriage, and trafficking for sexual exploitation.

• Underreporting: Fear and cultural stigma lead to significant underreporting; experts estimate that only a fraction of cases are documented compared to actual occurrences.