The Growing Threat of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
This 19th June on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we shed light on the harrowing experiences of survivors and the growing threat of this issue across countries affected by conflict.
A recent report published by the United Nations (UN) Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, indicates a rise in cases of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV). In 2023, 3,500 cases were verified by the UN across 21 settings: a number that in reality will be much higher because CRSV continues to be one of the most underreported crimes. Despite stringent efforts to eradicate CRSV, it is clear that the situation is not improving. But why is that?
Conflicts are erupting and escalating
The number of wars and those impacted has been increasing year on year. A study by the Institute of Economics and Peace (IE) showed that in 2022 238,000 people died in conflicts across the world, making it the deadliest year since the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Even today, the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights is monitoring 110 active conflicts that span every continent except Antarctica. While CRSV is no longer seen as an inevitable cost of war, it does continue to be used to deliberately target civilians within many of these contexts. With an increase in the number and severity of conflicts, the risk of CRSV also increases.
In all but one case, the perpetrators were in uniform. The survivors were not able to report the incidents. The women are too afraid to even travel to receive medical services, out of fear that if the soldiers find out, they could be killed. – Part of a testimony from a frontline responder in Ethiopia. Featured in In Their Own Words.
Impunity remains pervasive
In a moving speech to the UN Security Council, UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Danai Gurira stated that “Until we make it clear there are consequences for rape — real, dire consequences — we will never turn the tide of it.” ‘Impunity’ is when someone commits a crime but does not have to fear punishment, and there are a number of reasons why a culture of impunity exists for CRSV. In the midst of conflict, governments often have weak legal systems, a reduced ability to enforce the law and in some cases, simply other priorities. In addition, perpetrators often hold positions of power or are protected by military or political structures, enabling them to continue committing this crime while knowing they will not get prosecuted for it.
I never sought justice because I do not know who the perpetrators are, which is also the reason it would be nearly impossible to file a lawsuit. – Part of a testimony from a survivor in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Featured in In Their Own Words.
Survivors still fear reporting
For every verified case of CRSV, it is estimated that 10 to 20 cases go unreported. For the 3,500 cases verified in 2023, that would mean that in reality, an additional 35,000 to 70,000 incidents occurred. An existing culture of impunity and lack of effective justice mechanisms can deter survivors from wanting to report because it is perceived as a pointless exercise. Why should a survivor report if it is unlikely that something will be done about it?
I did not report the incident because there was nowhere to report. I was young and scared of reprisals and stigma. I lacked trust in the police and law enforcement authorities. I was also ashamed of myself; I did not want anyone to know it. – Part of a testimony from a survivor in Burundi. Featured in In Their Own Words.
Unfortunately, reporting CRSV can also bring consequences for the survivor. In many conflict-affected countries, cultural norms are rooted in patriarchal social structures that reinforce gender inequality and normalise the subjugation of women. Where the perpetrator often faces no consequences for their crimes, the survivor is victim-blamed or labelled as promiscuous. This stigma attached to sexual violence can result in them being socially excluded, confronting them with even more challenges. Given the potential consequences associated with reporting the incident and the chance that justice won’t be served if they do report, many survivors opt to stay silent.
Silence the guns and amplify the voices
CRSV is a pervasive issue with consequences that reverberate throughout the entire fabric of a nation. With a continued culture of impunity and fear of reporting, set against a backdrop of escalating conflicts, it may come as no surprise that the issue remains dire. Despite the challenges, efforts to address CRSV must be prioritised by all. In the words of the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, “The essential, existential task we face is to silence the guns and amplify the voices of women as a critical constituency for peace.” Failure to continue pushing this agenda is, simply put, a failure of humanity.
The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict aims to raise awareness of the need to put an end to this heinous crime against humanity. It also serves to honour victims and survivors, as well as those who have dedicated their lives to fighting for its eradication.
In Their Own Words is a Digital Book created by UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict. It is rooted in the commitment to keep the voices of survivors at the heart of global efforts to eliminate CRSV, specifically by providing them with a platform to share their stories in their own words. This moving anthology includes over 150 testimonies from across a dozen countries and reflects the harrowing realities of those who have been confronted with this crime, read the anthology here.