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