International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

A This side event will call for increased investment in Spotlight Initiative, showcasing its vision and impact. Spotlight Initiative is a flagship example of what UN80 reforms look like in practice. A High-Impact Initiative of the UN Secretary-General, Spotlight Initiative is the world's largest targeted effort to end all forms of violence against women and girls (EVAWG). Launched in 2017 with a seed funding commitment of EUR 500 million from the European Union, it represents an unprecedented global effort to invest in gender equality as a precondition and driver for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. This year we mark the 25th anniversary of partnership between the EU and the African Union (AU). To acknowledge and celebrate this milestone and the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme 2.0 (SIARP 2.0), the EU, AU, and UN will co-host a high-level event during UNGA80. This event will bring together senior representatives from all three institutions, alon...

By addressing intergenerational trauma, we can foster an environment where survivors and their children are empowered to reclaim their lives, transforming their experiences of horror into hope and healing.  

  Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) attacks social cohesion by destroying the fabric of entire communities and leaving survivors and their families to reckon with its devastating effects, long after the guns fall silence. Used as a tactic of war, torture, and terror sexual violence targets not only individuals, but their families, communities, and even societies as a whole, often leading to generational trauma. Many survivors are silenced by fears of reprisals and retaliation , by the limited availability of support services, and by the misplaced blame, shame and stigma that is borne by the victims, rather than the perpetrators. Conflict-related sexual violence is a war crime, a crime against humanity, and a constituent act of genocide under international law. It is a threat to individual and collective security and an impediment to the restoration of durable peace. The effects of this crime echo across generations , manifested through physical and psychological trauma, sti...

On Thursday, 19 June 2025 from 10a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EDT at Conference Room 5, UNHQ, New York an High-level event to commemorate the 11th observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict will be held and co-hosted by the Office of the SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict , the Office of the SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict , and the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations. The purpose of the event is to stand in solidarity with survivors, and those supporting them , to spark hope, knowledge and inspiration as we lift our voices to say: “#EndRapeInWar”.Get the Invitation card - save the date ; Read the Concept Note and Programme and Watch the live webcast !

Join us for a powerful viewing of “ Fighting the Silence ”, a compelling documentary that brings the urgent issue of sexual violence in conflict into the spotlight. This impactful film was showcased during a significant event on October 23, 2024, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, marking the 15th anniversary of the mandate addressing this critical issue. Watch the Online Exhibition " A conflict-Related Sexual Violence Survivor’s Journey to Healing ".

   Conflict-related sexual violence is a war crime, a crime against humanity and a constituent act of genocide under international law, posing threats to individual and collective security and hindering lasting peace. Its impacts are far-reaching, causing physical and psychological trauma , stigma, and poverty that can affect survivors and their families for generations. In some communities, survivors may face ostracization, which limits their access to vital social support and healing resources. Additionally, the consequences can be magnified if pregnancies result from such violence, potentially leading to further societal rejection of children born in these circumstances. This form of violence is often connected to other wartime atrocities, including the abduction and recruitment of individuals into armed groups.