G8 Summit 2013: A declaration has been formed in order to prevent the global issue of rape and sexual violence in conflict areas.
Rape and sexual violence has occurred – and continues to occur – in war-torn areas around the world. The most severe of cases have taken place in Syria, Bosnia, Libya, Sudan, Mali, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia.
Key figures and leaders worldwide are already meeting to discuss the most important issues that will feature at the G8 Summit. The Group of Eight (G8) Summit is to be held in Northern Ireland in June this year.
A discussion took place in London last week, with Foreign Secretary William Hague standing alongside Zainab Bangura (Special Representative for UN Secretary-General on sexual violence in conflict) and Angelina Jolie (Special Envoy for the UN High Commission for Refugees). Together, they unveiled plans for development on this matter. The main points brought up in this discussion involved a breakdown of what the declaration hopes to provide, as well as statistics and facts about rape and sexual violence around the world. This concern was first brought to the G8 Summit a year ago by Hague and the hope is to have as much support from international governments as possible.
William Hague spoke first and explained how rape and sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war. He stressed the importance of this issue, which he believes is so often overlooked with little justice brought to the victims.
Zainab Bangura was second to speak. She stressed the importance of focussing on the perpetrators and finding the best way to prosecute them. She also said that rape and sexual violence is one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
Angelina Jolie was last to speak and she confirmed that the time has come to focus on this grave humanitarian crisis. She, like William Hague, believes that many victims have been left in the shadows. Jolie commended William Hague and felt that it was reassuring to see male figures acting on this serious international problem.
Collectively, all three of the speakers stressed that rape does not simply come part and parcel in war and is not a ‘cultural phenomenon’. It must be addressed as a grave humanitarian injustice. The issue of male victims of rape and sexual violence was also brought up. The speakers agreed that a conscious effort should be made to banish the stigma associated with male victims. Support for all types of victims should be paramount.
The Declaration
The aim of the declaration is to provide an international framework of deterrence and to ensure that people are held accountable for their crimes. It also aims to offer as much support as possible for the victims: women, men and children.
William Hague mentions seven key points, which make up the declaration:
1. Rape and sexual violence in conflict areas are going to be recognised as a breach of the Geneva Convention. This allows those guilty of such crimes to be appropriately prosecuted.
2. An International Protocol on the Investigation and Documentation of rape and sexual violence in conflict is in the process of being created. This will support victims of such crimes and make sure evidence is collected efficiently.
3. No amnesty will be given for crimes of rape and sexual violence in peace treaties.
4. The training of national and international police and security will be analysed and adapted. Those sent into war-zones will receive the appropriate training in order to approach and deal effectively with rape and sexual violence. Furthermore, this could be vital in helping to educate and change male attitudes towards the issue.
5. Special experts will be employed to evaluate the legal, forensic and investigative fields of conflict areas. This may include expertise doctors, lawyers, police members and scientists.
6. More funding has been requested to support international efforts in combatting rape and sexual violence. So far, £23 million has been given.
7. Rape and sexual violence will be one of the first priorities in responding to humanitarian emergencies.
There is hope that this issue will be formally addressed at the G8 Summit this June. William Hague will be the chief speaker in this debate. In addition, Hague has announced that this matter will be a priority for the UN General Assembly in September 2013.
It will be interesting to watch how the debate unfolds. One can hope that consistency is kept in making this a top priority for the national and international members of the G8.
For the full transcript, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/g8-declaration-on-preventing-sexual-violence-in-conflict