Conflict-related sexual violence represents a serious violation of international humanitarian law (IHL) and is exacerbated when violent conflict occurs. This crime affects all people, regardless of sex, age or ability, though it disproportionately impacts women and girls. Evidence from research and practice shows that conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence is not an inevitable by-product of war; it can be prevented.

When sexual violence has been committed, access to the full range of survivor-centered services is essential. We also know that strengthening justice and accountability processes for serious violations of IHL is key to consolidating international actors’ commitment to key humanitarian principles and to preventing further violence. This Humanitarian Talk will bring in the perspectives of different stakeholders, with a focus on local responders and service providers, to share their experiences and good practices to strengthen early and sustained action to prevent, mitigate, and address sexual and gender-based violence in conflict in a survivor-centred way.

Organisers:

CARE International, DG ECHO – Policy Unit C1 , Spanish MFA – Office of Humanitarian Affairs - AECID, Belgium MFA

Speakers :

• Susanne-Fries-Gaier, Director for Humanitarian Assistance, German MFA
• Wesal Abdullah, GBV Prevention and Response Program Coordinator, Arab Women Organisation of Jordan (AWO)
• Fatima Shehu Imam, Founder and Executive Director, Rehabilitation Empowerment and Better Health Initiative
• Lindsay Forslund, Deputy Coordinator, UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict Network
• Ambassador Ghislain d’Hoop, Deputy Director General for Multilateral Affairs, Belgium MFA

 Moderator:

• Amira Mahmoud Taha, CARE International in Egypt