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

This International Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 to draw attention to the need to end conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), support survivors, and recognise the efforts of those working to prevent and respond to these crimes.

Conflict-related sexual violence is not limited to rape. It may include sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, forced sterilisation, forced marriage, trafficking for the purpose of sexual violence or sexual exploitation, as well as other forms of sexual violence of comparable gravity that are directly or indirectly linked to conflict.

Survivors of CRSV may include women, men, girls and boys.

International humanitarian law (IHL) prohibits sexual violence during armed conflict. This prohibition applies in both international and non-international armed conflicts and is set out in the 1949 Geneva Conventions, their Additional Protocols, and customary IHL. It applies not only to civilians, but also to prisoners of war, the wounded and sick, and persons deprived of their liberty in connection with armed conflict.

This day serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting survivors of sexual violence, addressing stigma, and ensuring access to medical, psychological and legal assistance, as well as to justice.

Rape and other forms of sexual violence are prohibited under international humanitarian law in all circumstances. Human dignity must be respected, even in times of armed conflict.