WPL Demands:
- Punish the perpetrators. Sexual abuse during conflict is a recognised war crime, yet perpetrators very often go unpunished. We demand an end to impunity for sexual violence perpetrators.
- Deal with sexual violence as a priority. War crimes tribunals must prioritise addressing sexual violence with the seriousness it deserves. We call for an end to the reluctance in addressing this issue.
- Document and investigate. Every instance of rape and sexual assault in conflict must be thoroughly investigated and documented to ensure justice for survivors.
- Strengthen prevention. Political and military leaders must raise awareness and emphasise that sexual violence is a grave war crime.
- Make it an issue. The risk of sexual violence must be raised in all conversations concerning armed conflicts. It is imperative that this issue receives the attention and action it deserves.
Take Action:
Join WPL and MSC in demanding action to combat sexual violence in conflict zones.
Together, let’s take a stand against this heinous crime and ensure justice for survivors.
“Every new wave of warfare brings with it a rising tide of human tragedy, including new waves of war’s oldest, most silenced and least condemned crime.” Pramila Patten, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in ConflictSign Here
Signed by:
Ambassador Christoph Heusgen
Chairman of the Munich Security Conference
Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili
Chair of the WPL Board;Economic and Public Policy Expert and Senior Economic Adviser to the Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative (AEDPI); World Bank Vice-President, Africa Region (2007-2012)
Silvana Koch-Mehrin
President of Women Political Leaders (WPL) Founder & President, WPL; Member of European Parliament (2004-2014); Vice President of the European Parliament (2009-2011)
WPL Board
Isabel Saint Malo
Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama (2014-2019); Member, WPL Board
Lindiwe Mazibuko
Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, Futurelect; Member, WPL Board
Oley Dibba-Wadda
Executive Director, The Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development; Member, WPL Board
