A November 2012 conference at Wilton Park, England, addressed “Preventing sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations.” Key points from the conference are provided in a report that concluded:
Nobel Peace Laureate Jody Williams speaks at a 9/25/12 event. Credit: UN Women Gallery “Preventing sexual violence in conflict and challenging the culture of impunity is a global responsibility and is vital to building sustainable peace. There is increased international momentum, appetite and ambition to address this issue and end the scourge. The Foreign Secretary, in his keynote address outlined the UK government’s approach; stating that the approach will be: ‘increasing our support to UN efforts, raising the profile of the need to confront sexual violence in conflict in every way we can, and proposing new action that we hope will be adopted by many nations in a new collective effort for our generation.’ The Foreign Secretary affirmed; the need for justice to be viewed in its fullest sense and for the sexual violence agenda to be part of a broader effort to empower women through women’s rights, participation and education. In conclusion, to advance the preventing sexual violence in conflict agenda requires; better coordination between the humanitarian, development and security sector; national ownership and a shift in the balance of shame from survivors to the perpetrators.”
The Elliott School’s Global Gender Program is committed to promoting research, teaching, and engagement to build sustainable peace and prevent sexual violence. Please join us for our celebration of International Women’s Day on Monday, March 4 when speakers from around the world will join Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Jody Williams in advancing peace and gender equality.
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