Olha Stefanishyna outlines steps to combat sexual violence and achieve justice within the framework of the UN Commission on the Status of Women
On 11 March, Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice of Ukraine, took part in an online meeting of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI Alliance) in New York on the margins of the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
The Alliance is a coalition of states, international partners, civil society organisations and survivors that coordinates action on conflict-related sexual violence.
The participants of the event discussed the best practices of the Alliance member states, the need to strengthen legal mechanisms of accountability for sexual crimes in armed conflicts, and the role and involvement of civil society in this fight.
In her speech, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of global cooperation in combating conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and shared Ukraine’s experience in supporting victims.
“Today we are all here to reaffirm our shared commitment to eradicating sexual violence in conflict, supporting survivors and ensuring justice. Ukraine has become a global leader in combating these crimes, not only because of the unfortunate necessity, but also because of its unwavering commitment,” said Olha Stefanishyna.
As Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, Olha Stefanishyna is participating in the events online.
She stressed that since the first days of russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine had been documenting, investigating and providing comprehensive support to the victims. Key measures include social, psychological, legal and other necessary assistance to victims through the Survivors’ Assistance Centres and online platforms, including the Survivors’ Assistance Platform and Avrora.
“I call on governments, international organisations and donors to focus their efforts on three key priorities: prevention of such violence, justice and support for victims. In Ukraine, we are already actively working on mechanisms for temporary reparations, and we call on other countries to join these initiatives,” she stressed.
According to Olha Stefanishyna, other important initiatives being promoted by Ukraine include a new legal framework that will officially recognise the status of survivors of CRSV and their children. The country has also intensified the investigation and prosecution of these crimes as war crimes in accordance with international law.
The event was also attended by: Kateryna Levchenko, Government Commissioner for Gender Policy of Ukraine, Lord Collins of Highbury, UK Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, as well as parliamentarians, representatives of international organisations and civil society. In particular, representatives of such countries as: Australia, Colombia, France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, etc.
The event was organised by the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations and the NGO “UA Experts” at the initiative of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration together with the Government Commissioner for Gender Policy with the support of the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine – UNFPA Ukraine.
Background
In November 2022, the UK announced the launch of the Alliance and states signed a political declaration to improve coordination, share experiences and ensure justice for survivors of sexual violence in conflict. In March 2023, the Alliance officially began its work, with Ukraine as co-chair.
This year marks Ukraine’s first year as Chair of the Alliance, reaffirming its commitment to human rights and justice despite the ongoing full-scale war. The co-chair for 2025 is Colombia.