New York, 11 April 2013 – The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Leila Zerrougui, welcomes the declaration on preventing sexual violence in armed conflict made today by the Group of eight nations in London.
“In conflict situations, girls and boys are the majority of the victims of sexual violence. With today’s declaration, the G8 has demonstrated its leadership in addressing one of the most horrific child right’s violations committed around the world,” Ms. Zerrougui said.
In armed conflicts, sexual violence is increasingly used against civilian populations including boys and girls, inflicting unimaginable suffering, destroying families and fueling conflict. Children who experience sexual violence suffer from long-term psychological trauma, stigma, health consequences and early pregnancies.
This historic agreement reaffirms that rape and other forms of sexual violence in conflicts are war crimes and breaches of the Geneva Conventions. It also calls on the strengthening of the international framework to address violations through effective investigation and documentation of violations, prosecution of perpetrators, awareness raising and funding for prevention and response efforts.

Link to the press release: http://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/press-releases/srsg-zerrougui-welcomes-g8-landmark-declaration/

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