International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, 19 June
In conflict zones where law breaks down, sexual violence is too often used on purpose. It’s a tactic of war meant to terrorize communities, force displacement, and assert control.
The UN Security Council lists sexual violence against children as one of the six grave violations in armed conflict. Both girls and boys are targeted, though their experiences are often underreported, misunderstood, or hidden by stigma. In some settings, harmful practices exploit children systematically a sign that institutions meant to protect them have collapsed.
Lasting scars, heavy silence
The damage lasts long after the violence ends:
- Physical: Severe injuries, sexually transmitted infections, early pregnancies
- Psychological: Trauma, depression, anxiety, shame
- Social: Stigma that makes reintegration brutal, especially for girls linked to armed groups. Young mothers and children born of rape face extra risk of trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation
For every rape reported in conflict, experts estimate 10 to 20 cases go undocumented. Fear and cultural stigma keep most survivors silent.
What the law says
International law is clear: sexual violence in conflict is prohibited. It’s a serious human rights violation and can be prosecuted as a war crime or crime against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
Key UN actions:
- Resolution 1820 (2008): Security Council condemned sexual violence as a tactic of war and barrier to peacebuilding. 19 June commemorates this resolution.
- Resolution 1882 (2009): Recognizes sexual violence against children as a priority. It pushes for action plans and lets perpetrators be listed for sanctions, strengthening accountability.
- Resolution 2331 (2016): First to address the link between trafficking, sexual violence, terrorism, and organized crime. It affirms that victims of sexual violence by terrorist groups deserve official redress as victims of terrorism.
The UN General Assembly made 19 June the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict through resolution A/RES/69/293. The day honors survivors, remembers victims, and pays tribute to those who risked or lost their lives fighting these crimes.
What “conflict-related sexual violence” includes
Rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization, forced marriage, and any other sexual violence of comparable gravity. It also covers trafficking for sexual violence or exploitation when linked to conflict.
Why this day matters
This isn’t just about awareness. It’s about accountability, justice, and support. Survivors need medical care, psychosocial help, legal redress, and safe paths to rebuild their lives. Communities need protection systems that work even when conflict breaks everything else.
Ending sexual violence in war means ending impunity. It means listening to survivors, prosecuting perpetrators, and building peace where dignity is non-negotiable.
Stand with survivors today. Their courage demands justice. Their healing demands action.
#EndSexualViolenceInConflict #SurvivorsMatter
Sudanese women and girls during this conflicts they are the most affected by sexual violence , harassment, raping and sex against providing .we need all women to advocate and to stand for the rights of women and their protection
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