EU statement on the elimination of sexual violence in conflict

20 June 2018
EU statement on the elimination of sexual violence in conflict
(File) Rohingya women raise their hands as they attend the ceremony to mark the International Women's Day at Thet Kel Pyin Muslim internally displaced person (IDPs) camp near Sittwe of Rakhine State, western Myanmar, 08 March 2017. Photo: Lynn Bo Bo/EPA

The European Union has issued a statement marking the third International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. The following is the text in full.
“Today marks the third International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. The EU and its member states stand with survivors of sexual violence. Sexual violence is a flagrant and unacceptable violation of human rights. This year’s global theme is ‘The Plight and Rights of Children Born of War,’ which recognises that the effects of conflict-related sexual violence echo across communities and generations, through trauma, stigma, poverty, poor health and unwanted pregnancy. It is the responsibility of all states to support and assist survivors and to hold perpetrators to account. This year has seen further reports of sexual violence in the conflicts in Kachin, northern Shan and Rakhine States. We call upon the Myanmar Government to investigate these reports and ensure accountability.”