Elrha’s Post

Today, UNICEF released the first-ever global and regional estimates on sexual violence. Our data found that one in eight girls and women alive today experience rape or sexual assault before the age of 18.     This is a devastating finding. We urgently need global action to combat childhood sexual violence and build a safer future for children all over the world by:  - Challenging and changing social and cultural norms.  - Equipping every child with accurate, accessible, and age-appropriate information.  - Ensuring that every child victim and survivor has access to services.  - Strengthening laws and regulations to protect children from all forms of sexual violence.  - Building better national data systems. To read the full media release, please visit our website: https://unicef.au/4eCtPAW

This International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we are shining a light on the need to prevent, mitigate and respond to sexual and gender-based violence in fragile settings across the globe. Our Senior Technical Advisor for Gender-based Violence shares, "We must prioritize the needs of women and girls in conflict settings and put an end to violence. Not only does the risk of human trafficking increase alongside rape, sex-selective genocide, and child, early and forced marriages, but intimate partner violence is worsened by armed conflict and other humanitarian crises." Learn more about how we address gender-based violence: https://bit.ly/3Ou9gKK #EliminateSexualViolence #GBV #SGBV #EndGBV

🌍 Commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict 🌍 Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, SDDirect (https://lnkd.in/dKsSAh5i) stands in solidarity with survivors and reaffirms our commitment to ending this grave violation of human rights. Sexual violence in conflict devastates individuals, families, and entire communities, leaving lasting scars. To mark this important day, we are proud to share these evidence-based resources: **Evidence for Action: What Works to Prevent Conflict-Related Sexual Violence** (a comprehensive report and a policy brief) These resources provide evidence-based strategies and actionable insights to help organisations and policymakers prevent and respond to sexual violence in conflict zones effectively. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d4-iYtHa Our work at SDDirect (https://lnkd.in/dFiBPs5P) includes developing robust safeguarding standards, providing comprehensive training, and supporting systematic reviews to address and prevent sexual violence in conflict zones. These resources are part of our ongoing efforts to empower organisations and ensure justice for survivors. Together, we can build a future of dignity, safety, and peace for all. #EndSexualViolence #ConflictResolution #Safeguarding #HumanRights #SDDirect #InternationalDay #EvidenceForAction

An effective approach to preventing conflict-related sexual violence considers both immediate physical protection as well as longer-term action to empower and shift inequitable gender norms/constructs of masculinity. Throughout all phases of a conflict, access to quality, survivor-centred response services are a prerequisite to ethical and effective prevention. Read the policy brief by WhatWorks2PreventVAWG here https://lnkd.in/e2NW5udJ

#August Featured Publication of the Month 🎯 As human trafficking and the online sexual exploitation of children increasingly become lucrative for criminal syndicates globally, the best way to tackle them begins with having the right data. Based on data sets and extensive ground research, the HEROES Manual focuses on prevention, investigation, and providing assistance to victims and survivors. The aim is to empower professionals to: 📌 Respond, prevent, and report cases; 📌 Assist victims and survivors; 📌 Track, investigate, and punish perpetrators. The study was co-authored by ICMPD experts Elena Petreska, Edgar Federzoni dos Santos MA, Melita Gruevska-Graham, Madalina Rogoz, Ivanka Hainzl, in collaboration with partners from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Trilateral Research, the Centre for Women and Children Studies (CWCS) of Bangladesh, and Fundación Renacer of Colombia. 🔗 Read our Featured Study of the Month and discover new strategies to fight child sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and protect the victims: https://lnkd.in/gjfSNrfN 💡 What is the Featured Publication of the Month? We feature the studies and data initiatives that our ICMPD experts produce, highlighting the unique contexts and needs of persons on the move, as well as the challenges and opportunities that define the migration narrative for Europe and beyond. #FeaturedStudy #MonthlyRead #WorldDayAgainstTraffickinginPersons #Migration #THB #EndHumanTrafficking #HumanTraffficking #LeaveNoChildBehind #Bangladesh #Colombia #Spain #UK ICMPD Policy & Research HEROES Project

Justice Rapid Response is pleased to announce that it officially joined the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (#PSVI), an international coalition of actors dedicated to end conflict-related sexual violence (#CRSV) through coordinated action. At the last meeting of the Alliance that took place in Bogota, Colombia, we had the chance to present the work we do; exchange with like-minded organizations and #victims and #survivors; and discuss lessons-learned on best ways to secure meaningful participation of survivors in drafting public policies on reparations and ensure that "nothing about us without us" becomes more than a statement, rather a reality. Becoming a member of the Alliance will create new opportunities for JRR to build new partnerships and foster synergies to promote the rights and access to justice of victims and survivors.

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, a day we pause to reflect on the heinous acts of gender-based violence globally, and raise awareness to uplift survivors, and honor victims in times of crisis. #IDESVC https://lnkd.in/e_wmyxW4

Today, on the #InternationalDayforEliminatingSexualViolenceInConflict, we stand in solidarity with survivors and recommit to ending this horrific war crime. The world's conflicts are creating a devastating situation: Sexual violence is used as a weapon, causing lasting physical and mental harm. Hospitals, meant to be sanctuaries, are under attack, depriving survivors of critical care. Stigma and fear prevent many from seeking help. We must do better. Let's work together to create a world where war doesn't steal healthcare access and survivors can heal. #StandWithSurvivors #EndSexualViolenceInConflict #UNWomen https://lnkd.in/eFk-nc-h

On the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, GCJ honors victims and survivors around the world and stands strong in the fight against impunity for CRSV crimes. We support trauma-informed approaches to justice and accountability, including transitional justice measures and survivor-centered reparations for CRSV victims and survivors. Our programs and policies strive to break the cycle of violence and impunity worldwide. https://lnkd.in/eUW-xmB6

Yesterday, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, I had the honor of addressing the critical issue of conflict-related sexual violence at the UN at Geneva. Sexual violence has long been weaponized in conflicts to achieve political domination, destroy communities, and instill fear. Tragically, the events of October 7, demonstrated this brutal reality once again, as evidence emerged of horrific acts of sexual violence, including against hostages still in captivity. These atrocities highlight the urgent need for action. Together with international organizations and experts, I called for the development of a comprehensive international protocol to address conflict-related sexual violence. Such a protocol must include: - Clear guidelines for collecting and preserving evidence. - Comprehensive support for survivors, including medical and psychological care. - Training programs for law enforcement and humanitarian workers. - Robust mechanisms to ensure perpetrators are held accountable. We must stand in solidarity with the victims and work to ensure that sexual violence is no longer used as a weapon of war. The international community cannot stay silent. Justice, accountability, and prevention are not optional—they are essential. #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #HumanRights #Accountability