Gender-based violence
“ Sexual violence in conflict is a serious , present-day crisis affecting millions of people around the world . It is used by political and military leaders to achieve political , military and economic ends , destroying the very fabric of society . Practically every day , the UN system receives reports from the field about sexual violence used as a tool or tactic of war . It is a silent , cheap and effective weapon with serious and long-lasting effects , affecting both the individual and the chances of building an enduring peace . Acts of sexual violence do not only maim its victims mentally and physically , but they sow the seeds of destruction of an entire community : female survivors in some instances become pregnant , often get infected with sexuallytransmitted diseases including HIV / Aids , and are regularly rejected by their own families . There is a lingering myth that rape is inevitable in times of war . But if sexual violence can be planned , it can be punished ; if it can be commanded , it can be condemned .”
Margot Wallstrøm