Joint statement on preventing sexual violence in conflict, November 2021

Joint statement from the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Indonesia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia and Liberia on preventing sexual violence in conflict.

From:

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative, and The Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP

The scale of sexual violence in conflict is appalling. In conflicts around the world women and girls continue to face horrific sexual violence. Progress has been made to support survivors and strengthen accountability, but sexual violence continues to be used in conflict. We need a stronger international response for all affected by sexual violence in conflict, the vast majority of whom are women and girls.

We condemn the use of sexual violence and rape as weapons of war as a ‘red line’ akin to chemical weapons. We are determined to strengthen the international response and build a new consensus to prevent these atrocities, exploring all options for further international action, including the possibility of a new international convention. Together, we will support survivors, hold the perpetrators to account and put an end to these heinous acts.