International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict 2023: Facts and More

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict 2023: International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed annually on June 19 to raise awareness about sexual violence in conflict and to strategize about how to eliminate these offences worldwide. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed June 19 as International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on June 19, 2015. This date commemorates the ratification of Resolution 1820 by the Security Council, in which the Council condemned sexual violence as a tactic of war and a barrier to peacebuilding.

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict: A Brief History

Sexual violence during armed conflict has always been regarded as a regrettable consequence of war, and people have frequently remained mute about it. During the American Civil War, the Lieber Code was published in February 1863, constituting one of the earliest initiatives to pass a law during a time of armed conflict. Sexual assault is explicitly defined as a crime punishable by law, and rape is a capital offence. The word ‘rape’ was removed from the statute because legislators preferred to speak of an attack on the ‘honour of the family.’ The word ‘rape’ is reintroduced as an example of an attack on the honour of women. The term ‘honour’ is reintroduced in the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, but with a few modifications. Women are mentioned as individuals who require protection, and the word ‘honour’ is reintroduced.

Since its inception, the International Committee of the Red Cross (I.C.R.C.) has spoken out against the atrocities of war; however, it was not until the late 1990s that the I.C.R.C. became engaged with the issue of sexual violence during armed conflict. The second additional protocol of 1977 to the Geneva Convention prohibits “outrages against personal dignity, rape, enforced prostitution, and any form of indecent assault” whenever and wherever they are committed against noncombatants.

In recent years, the number of gender-related homicides has increased, highlighting the need for immediate action to empower and protect women and girls and to save lives by preventing gender-based violence. In addition, it honours the victims and survivors of sexual violence throughout the globe, as well as those who have selflessly devoted their lives to eradicating these crimes.

5 FACTS ABOUT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

It’s a global problem

Almost one-third of all women experience physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.

The majority of violence is initiated by partners.

The vast majority of violence against women is committed by spouses or partners.

The number is numerous

A 2018 study found that one in seven women had experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of their partner or spouse.

81,000 women were murdered in 2020

Approximately 47,000 women were murdered by a companion or family member on their own.

More prevalent in vulnerable populations

Violence against women is more prevalent in low- and middle-income nations.

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT DATES