Fighting conflict-related sexual violence

Although both men and women are vulnerable when faced with armed conflict, they tend to be affected very differently. Women are exposed to many risks, sexual violence standing out as the most prominent among them. Despite efforts by the international community to ban it through internationally binding legal norms, conflicts since the end of the Cold War have displayed multiple, horrendous forms of violence against women, whether in Africa, former Yugoslavia or in present-day Iraq, Syria and Nigeria.

To the scourge of gender-based violence brought about by conflict, the international community has responded by integrating it in the jurisdiction of international tribunals dealing with war crimes. The UN Security Council has strongly condemned all forms of gender-based violence in several resolutions, and has proposed a range of measures. Given the gravity of the crimes, the EU has emphasised the importance of a zero-tolerance policy, focusing on accountability and awareness-raising.

Helping victims of gender-based violence deal with its long-lasting psychological and social consequences is increasingly recognised as a crucial measure. One of the most important steps is to break the culture of shame and silence that makes the vast majority of cases go unreported, and renders judicial recourse impossible. Women who speak out about their or others' ordeals face multiple risks and threats, and their courage deserves to be honoured. In recognition of such courage, the European Parliament granted the 2016 Sakharov Prize to two women from Iraq, who, having been victims of violence themselves, resolved to put their efforts into fighting off the scourge.

Author: Ionel Zamfir