Statement for June 19: International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

Today, as we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we reaffirm our solidarity with survivors, care-providers, frontline advocates, and communities affected by conflict-related sexual violence. This day serves as a vital reminder of our collective responsibility to confront these grave human rights violations, respond to victims’ needs, uphold justice, and centre the voices and leadership of survivors.

This year’s commemoration comes at a precarious moment. Sexual violence remains one of the most pervasive — and under-addressed — tactics of war and repression. At the same time, the world faces a dangerous backlash against women’s rights, marked by increasing attacks on women’s rights defenders and on women’s sexual and reproductive health in general, shrinking civic space, and regressive laws and policies that threaten hard-won gains in gender equality and the protection of women and girls, especially in conflict-affected contexts.

We are further alarmed by the growing funding crisis, hindering the fight against sexual violence and the protection of women and girls globally. Without sustained resources, survivors are denied critical services, including healthcare, psychosocial support, justice mechanisms, and livelihood opportunities. This jeopardises both their immediate recovery and the long-term prospects for gender-just, inclusive and sustainable peace and development.

In this context, the ongoing United Nations reforms must uphold and reinforce — not diminish — the gender equality agenda. Central to this effort is the indispensable role of the UN Security Council’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, anchored by landmark resolutions such as UNSCR 1325, 1820, and 2467. These resolutions recognise conflict-related sexual violence as a tactic of war and a threat to international peace and security, mandating a survivor-centred, rights-based, and multisectoral response.

Equally critical is the commitment to support and fund the UN and regional bodies mandated to hold individuals and states accountable in order to ensure the effectiveness of international and regional human rights systems, which are currently underfunded and understaffed. Additionally, it is critical to uphold the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-CRSV). The SRSG’s office plays a leading role in coordinating international action, advocating for survivor protection, ensuring accountability for perpetrators, and integrating sexual violence prevention into peace processes. At a time when impunity persists and political will is uneven, this mandate must be preserved, adequately resourced, and empowered to act decisively.

On this day, we call upon Member States, UN entities, donors, and civil society partners to recommit to the elimination of sexual violence in conflict. This requires resolute political leadership and action, meaningful survivor participation and engagement, adequate and sustained funding, and consistent support for international mechanisms that uphold accountability and peace.

Conflict-related sexual violence is not inevitable — it is preventable. It is a crime that undermines peace and security for all. Let us act with urgency, solidarity, and courage.

19 June, 2025