Ukraine: EUAM marks International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

On June 19, the EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine (EUAM) issued a statement to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

“EUAM Ukraine stands in solidarity with survivors and those who support them, often in the face of danger and immense challenges. We support Ukrainian investigators and prosecutors who work towards accountability for perpetrators and bring justice to survivors,” the statement said.

“Conflict-related sexual violence inflicts deep and lasting harm on the victims and those around them. It leaves scars that endure long after war ends. It is a violation of any human decency, it is criminal, and it may constitute an international crime.”

The statement added that not only did the pain and trauma impact every aspect of the lives of the survivors themselves, but also “echoes across families, generations and communities”. 

“Justice is not optional. Silence must be broken. No survivor should ever be left behind,” it concluded.

The United Nations proclaimed 19 June of each year as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict in 2015.

The term ‘conflict-related sexual violence’ refers to rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilisation, forced marriage and any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity perpetrated against women, men, girls or boys that is directly or indirectly linked to a conflict. The term also encompasses trafficking in persons when committed in situations of conflict for the purpose of sexual violence or exploitation.

Earlier this month, EUAM  held a training in Mykolaiv to support the Ukrainian authorities in building strong cases on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). 

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Press release