The event aims to highlight and discuss the different dimensions and the devastating consequences of sexual violence in conflict situations. In addition, based on the practical experiences of experts attending the event, the conference aims to analyse how gender equality and the long-term empowerment of women and girls can be coherently incorporated into protection and prevention plans in crisis situations. The panel will feature a range of specialists alongside Zeinab Hawa Bangura, the UN secretary-general’s special representative on sexual violence in conflict, and Manuel Sager, the new director-general of the SDC.

Sexual and gender-based violence is one of the most destructive weapons of war and constitutes a serious violation of human rights and international law. This type of violence seriously damages the physical and psychological integrity of victims, destroys their livelihoods and shatters families and communities. All too often the stigma and shame associated with sexual violence are carried by the victims rather than the perpetrators because communities usually consider the former to be to blame. The perpetrators therefore generally do not fear any legal consequences for their acts. Yet justice for the victims is the key to resolving the problem: by condemning such crimes, the suffering of the victims is acknowledged and their reintegration into society is facilitated.

It is also important that existing inequalities in society be broken down and that women actively participate in transformation and peace processes and humanitarian aid, as only inclusive processes can lead to lasting peace and guarantee that sexual violence will be eradicated once and for all.