This is a summary of a United Nations report on conflict-related sexual violence. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Overall Findings:
Increase in Sexual Violence: The report highlights an alarming rise in sexual violence in armed conflicts globally.
Weapon of War: Sexual violence is being used as a tool of war, including torture, humiliation, control, and information extraction. Marginalization of Survivors: Survivors and children born of wartime rape often face severe social and economic marginalization.
Obstacles to Aid: Parties to conflicts frequently block humanitarian access, and attacks on healthcare facilities and service providers limit access to aid for survivors.
Key Issues and Examples:
Violence in Detention: Sexual violence in detention is a important and troubling aspect.
Perpetrators: Both state and non-state actors are responsible.
armed Groups: Non-state armed groups use sexual violence to control territory, resources, and impose ideologies.
Risk Factors: The report points to factors that increase risk, including the availability of small arms, displacement, and food insecurity.
Lack of Compliance: International humanitarian law compliance is low, but some actors have made formal commitments.
Newly Listed Groups:
Résistance pour un Etat de Droit (RED) Tabara (DRC)
Deterrence Agency for Combatting Organized Crime and Terrorism (DACOT) (Libya)
Department for Combatting Illegal Migration (DCIM) (Libya)
Internal Security Agency (Libya)
Hamas: Listed due to verified information about sexual violence against hostages in Gaza and during the October 7th attacks.
“On Notice” Parties: The report put the following parties “on notice” for potential listing in the next report, in the context of a possible inclusion on a roster of the UN:
Israeli armed and security forces
Russian forces and affiliates
Recommendations and Calls to Action:
Accountability: Calling for clear orders prohibiting sexual violence and ensuring accountability.
Access: Granting unimpeded UN access for monitoring and service provision.
Preventative Measures: Urging action to prevent and eradicate these crimes, and that survivors deserve more then solidarity.
Sanctions: Utilizing Security Council sanctions committees to target perpetrators, including through counter-terrorism regimes.
In Essence:
This report paints a grim picture of the use of sexual violence in current armed conflicts, its devastating impact on survivors, and the obstacles hindering efforts to provide aid and hold perpetrators accountable. It emphasizes the need for urgent and comprehensive action to address this crisis.
