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Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict

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World leaders unite to sign the 2013 Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict at the UN General Assembly.
The Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, launched on September 24, 2013, unites 122 countries in pledging to eliminate sexual violence as a weapon of war.

The Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict is a pivotal international initiative aimed at eradicating the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Launched on September 24, 2013, during the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the declaration garnered endorsements from 122 countries, reflecting a unified global stance against such atrocities.[1][2]​

Background and objectives

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Sexual violence in conflict zones has long been employed to terrorize populations, dismantle communities, and perpetuate cycles of violence. The declaration underscores that such acts are not inevitable consequences of war but are preventable crimes that demand concerted international action. It calls for the elimination of impunity for perpetrators and emphasizes the need for comprehensive support for survivors.[1][3]

Key commitments

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Signatories of the declaration pledge to:

  • End impunity: Ensure that perpetrators of sexual violence in conflicts are held accountable, with no amnesties granted in Peace agreements.[4]​
  • Strengthen legal frameworks: Enhance national and international laws to prosecute sexual violence effectively.​[5]
  • Support survivors: Provide holistic care, including medical, psychological, and legal assistance, to those affected.[6]
  • Promote gender equality: Integrate women's participation in peace processes and decision-making roles to address the root causes of sexual violence.
  • Improve documentation: Develop and implement international protocols for the documentation and investigation of sexual violence in conflicts.​[3]

Implementation and progress

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Building upon the declaration, the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict was convened in London in June 2014. Co-hosted by UK Foreign Secretary William Hague and UN Special Envoy Angelina Jolie, the summit brought together over 120 countries, numerous NGOs, and experts to discuss strategies and share best practices.[7][3]​

The summit resulted in the adoption of a Statement of Action, reinforcing commitments to prevent and respond to sexual violence in conflicts. It also emphasized the importance of survivor-centered approaches and the integration of gender perspectives in peace and security efforts.[8]

Challenges and ongoing efforts

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Despite these initiatives, sexual violence in conflict remains a pervasive issue. The UN Secretary-General's 2024 report highlighted a 50% increase in verified cases of conflict-related sexual violence, indicating that much work remains to be done.[9]

Continued efforts are essential to translate commitments into tangible actions. This includes allocating sufficient resources, strengthening legal systems, and fostering international cooperation to protect vulnerable populations and hold perpetrators accountable.

Conclusion

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The Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict represents a significant step toward addressing and preventing sexual violence in war-torn regions. While progress has been made, sustained global commitment and action are crucial to eradicate this scourge and support survivors in rebuilding their lives.

References

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  1. ^ a b "113 countries pledge action to end sexual violence in conflict #timetoact". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  2. ^ osrsgsvc. "122 countries endorse historic 'Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict' – United Nations Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict". Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  3. ^ a b c "SVC0011 - Evidence on Sexual Violence in Conflict". committees.parliament.uk. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  4. ^ "113 countries sign declaration pledging new efforts to end sexual violence in conflict - National | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  5. ^ Jenkins, Nash (2014-06-10). "Angelina Jolie, British Foreign Secretary Open Sexual-Violence Summit". TIME. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  6. ^ "Ending sexual violence in conflict". www.osce.org. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  7. ^ "End Sexual Violence in Conflict 2014 - Summit Report" (PDF). assets.publishing.service.gov.uk. 2014. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
  8. ^ "Chair's Summary - Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
  9. ^ "DECLARATION ON PREVENTING SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT". studylib.net. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
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