Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict: Ukraine launches awareness campaign

Today, on June 19, Ukraine and the entire world mark the annual International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict (SVC). On this day, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1820, a historic document that for the first time officially recognized SVC as a threat to international peace and security, a targeted weapon used to intimidate, humiliate or destroy populations.

This year, Ukraine chairs the Global Alliance to Prevent Sexual Violence in War (PSVI Alliance). The Alliance members have initiated an awareness campaign to draw attention to the issue of sexual violence in wars and conflicts, strengthen international support for survivors, and intensify global efforts to achieve justice.

"This is not just an awareness campaign, but a global voice in support of survivors of sexual violence in wars and conflicts around the world. It is part of the Alliance's collective efforts to bring justice and help to those who need it most. Our goal is to intensify international efforts to prevent the silencing of crimes and to hear and take into account the voices of survivors. Such crimes very often remain “silent” - and this is exactly what the russian federation wants. That is why advocacy must be systematic," said Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice of Ukraine.

One of the key elements of the campaign is the rapeseed flower, a sign of solidarity with the victims of SVС. This symbol was first introduced in Ukraine in 2023 at a meeting of the Interagency Working Group on Combating Sexual Violence Related to the War of the russian federation against Ukraine. The Rapeseed Flower can sprout even in the most difficult conditions, which represents the strength of a survivor and his or her ability to recover. As part of the campaign, Ukraine is calling on partners to use this symbol in their communications as a manifestation of solidarity with those whose experiences should not be forgotten.

“We are working to ensure effective mechanisms of social support for people who have suffered from sexual violence caused by russian aggression against Ukraine,” said Oksana Zholnovych, Minister of Social Policy.

In particular, the tasks of the Ministry of Social Policy include developing algorithms for the interaction of assistance providers and preparing standards for rendering assistance to victims. It is worth emphasizing that a person who has suffered from sexual violence related to the armed aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine has the right to:

- emergency financial assistance;

- free rehabilitation regardless of place of residence and depending on the needs to restore physical and psychological condition and social functions;

- to receive information about their rights and opportunities for their realization.

Survivors of sexual violence in war are guaranteed the right to respect, dignity and humane treatment, restoration of violated rights, free social services and legal aid, as well as temporary asylum.