Every year on June 19th, the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict raises awareness for conflict-related sexual violence. The day also honors the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world.
The United Nations defines conflict-related sexual violence as any of the following acts:
- Rape
- Sexual slavery
- Forced prostitution
- Forced pregnancy
- Trafficking
- Forced abortion
- Forced marriage
- Enforced sterilization
Women and girls are not the only victims of conflict-related sexual violence. Men and boys are also subject to it as well. Unfortunately, many survivors of this type of sexual violence do not come forward. This is primarily due to fear and cultural stigmas. When the survivors do not come forward, justice does not get served. It also allows the perpetrators to repeat their violent acts.
On June 19th, 2015, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 19th the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. They chose June 19th to commemorate the adoption of the Security Council Resolution. The Resolution was adopted in 2008. The Council condemned sexual violence as a weapon of war and an obstruction to peace.
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