“Endemic sexual violence including rape, abduction, human trafficking, sexual slavery and forced marriage contributes to the disproportionate suffering of women and girls in conflict.” — UN Secretary-General, António Guterres.

19 June 2015, saw the United Nations General Assembly proclaim 19 June the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, in an effort to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence, and honour victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world.

The date was chosen to commemorate the adoption on 19 June 2008 of Security Council resolution 1820 (2008), in which the Council condemned sexual violence as a tactic of war and an impediment to peacebuilding.

The theme for this year is Preventing Sexual Violence Crimes through Justice and Deterrence.

A panel discussion to commemorate the second annual International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is to be held at the UN Headquarters, New York on Tuesday, 20 June 2017, 1:15 – 2:45 p.m. in the ECOSOC Chamber.

You can follow the conversation on social media #EndRapeinWar

Find out more at http://www.un.org/en/events/elimination-of-sexual-violence-in-conflict/

View a report of the Secretary-General on Conflict-related Sexual Violence

http://www.stoprapenow.org/uploads/advocacyresources/1494280398.pdf