sexual violence in armed conflict pakistan

The global SGBV crisis requires a survivor-centred prevention and protection approach in all humanitarian activities, and international humanitarian law provides powerful protections to this end. It is a reminder of the strength and resilience of individuals and communities, but also of the magnitude of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), whose victims are diverse, including not only women and girls but also men, boys, and sexual and gender minorities.

Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the start of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. We are witnessing a tragic backslide in the progress gained on preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence in humanitarian settings, and we can’t afford to let it happen. Yet, eight months into the COVID-19 pandemic, we find ourselves faced with a frightening dichotomy: an increase in sexual violence in places affected by conflict and violence, coupled with a reduction of services available for victims and survivors. None of it should come as a surprise emergencies and crises have a well-documented history of deepening structural inequalities and exacerbating risks. Sexual violence in armed conflict: can we prevent a COVID-19 backslide?.

Sexual violence in armed conflict pakistan