The G8 just announced an initiative to ramp up the fight against rape and other sexual violence in conflict by committing the group to help victims of sexual violence in war, prevent further attacks and hold perpetrators responsible for their crimes, with $35.5 million in funding targeted to those efforts.
In an op-ed for CNN, Sandesh Sivakumaran deplores the fact that the world has overlooked sexual violence against men. Perpetrators are male and female, and the sexual violence comes in different forms. Yet, few resources exist to assist male victims, with some organizations limiting their programs to female victims alone.
At an international conference on prosecuting crimes of sexual violence, participants in Kigali expressed the need to have appropriate ways of curbing crimes of sexual violence. During the conference, the ICTR’s Office of Prosecutor presented its two manuals that were prepared on the investigation and prosecution of sexual violence.
William Hague describes British efforts to address sexual violence as a “weapon of war”. In his words, “As a man I feel appalled by [rape], and as Foreign Secretary I believe that it is within our power to do something about it. Moreover, I am convinced that this is a cause that Britain must champion. Ours is one of the few countries in the world with the global reach, resources and diplomatic network to be able to set a lead and so it is our responsibility to do so.”
Patrick Cammaert, a retired major general from the Netherlands and the former division commander of UN forces in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo — describes how an overwhelming number of blue helmets have no idea how to deal with witnessing rape.
In her message to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, UN Women’s Executive Director Michelle Bachelet called on governments to employ effective means to fight violence against women and girls.
“If women discover their role and start discussing gender violence with men, we will put an end to it,” says Illuminee Uwimana, a social affairs officer in Rwanda, while discussing new strategies to address gender-based violence in the country.
During an event organised by Health Development Initiative concerning human rights, gender-based violence and HIV, residents in Bugesera District, Rwanda said the education programmes that are part of a campaign to prevent gender-based violence have helped to reduce violence within families.
The British government is launching an initiative aimed at reducing violence against women in conflict zones. British Foreign Secretary William Hague said a team will be established that can be deployed to conflict zones on short notice to help gather evidence of abuse with a view toward holding the perpetrators accountable.
Rwanda has scooped the United Nations Public Service Award 2012 for its efforts in fighting Sexual and Gender Based Violence. The award dubbed “Promoting Gender Responsive Delivery” of Public Services is in recognition of the success of the Isange One-Stop Centre, which operates under the Rwanda National Police.
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