2024-06-19

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

June 19 is the International Day to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. It reminds us of the worst sides of humanity and the terrible crimes that women and girls in particular are subjected to in conflicts around the world.

The term conflict-related sexual violence includes rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, forced sterilization, forced marriage, and all other forms of sexual violence committed against women, men, girls or boys and which are directly or indirectly linked to a conflict.

Sexual violence in war today is considered a war crime, thanks in large part to the struggle of women's organizations. The International Criminal Court has determined that rape and sexual violence can be counted as war crimes or genocide. Despite that, impunity is still high – many perpetrators go free.