Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is celebrated annually on June 19th.

💥 Are there any different dates of observance ?

The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is universally celebrated on June 19th. The date remains consistent across different countries and regions, as it is an internationally recognized day.

💥 Other days with the same purpose

There are no other specific special days celebrated for the exact same purpose as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on different dates. This day stands alone in its focus on raising awareness about and working towards the elimination of sexual violence in conflict situations.

💥 Are there any special days for similar purposes ?

➡️ International Women's Day (March 8th): While not solely dedicated to sexual violence in conflict, International Women's Day advocates for gender equality, empowerment, and the elimination of violence against women, including sexual violence in various contexts.

➡️ International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25th): This day focuses on ending violence against women and includes raising awareness about sexual violence, both in conflict and non-conflict situations.

➡️ International Human Rights Day (December 10th): This day highlights the importance of human rights and addresses various human rights violations, including sexual violence in conflict as a violation of fundamental human rights.

➡️ World Refugee Day (June 20th): While not specifically centered on sexual violence, World Refugee Day raises awareness about the challenges faced by refugees, including the risk of sexual violence in conflict and displacement settings.

➡️ International Day of Peace (September 21st): This day emphasizes peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and the prevention of violence, including sexual violence in conflict situations.

The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is celebrated to draw attention to the widespread issue of sexual violence committed during times of conflict. It aims to raise awareness about the plight of survivors, advocate for justice and accountability, and mobilize efforts to prevent and respond to sexual violence in conflict settings. The day also aims to recognize the urgency of addressing this issue as a grave violation of human rights and a barrier to sustainable peace.

The origins of this special day can be traced back to a United Nations Security Council resolution in 2008 that established sexual violence as a tactic of war and recognized the need to address it comprehensively. Subsequently, on September 19, 2015, the UN General Assembly designated June 19th as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict through a resolution. The establishment of this day reflects the collective commitment of the international community to combat sexual violence in conflict and ensure the rights and dignity of survivors.

💥 How is it celebrated ?

The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is celebrated through various activities and initiatives aimed at raising awareness, advocating for change, and supporting survivors. Some examples of how this day is celebrated include:

➡️ Panel discussions and conferences: Organizations, governments, and civil society groups organize events featuring panel discussions, presentations, and workshops to discuss the issue of sexual violence in conflict, share knowledge, and promote dialogue among experts, policymakers, and survivors.

➡️ Advocacy campaigns: Awareness campaigns are launched to educate the public about sexual violence in conflict, its impact on survivors, and the need for prevention, justice, and support. These campaigns often utilize social media, online platforms, and traditional media to reach a wider audience.

➡️ Survivor support initiatives: Organizations and communities organize support programs and initiatives aimed at assisting survivors of sexual violence in conflict, providing access to medical, psychosocial, and legal support, and raising funds for survivors' rehabilitation and empowerment.

➡️ Policy and legal advocacy: The day serves as an opportunity for advocacy efforts to strengthen national and international laws, policies, and frameworks that address sexual violence in conflict. It includes advocating for justice, accountability for perpetrators, and the inclusion of survivor-centered approaches in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.

💥 Celebration or Activity Suggestions

➡️ Organize or participate in a panel discussion or workshop to raise awareness about sexual violence in conflict and discuss ways to address and prevent it.

➡️ Support organizations working to support survivors of sexual violence in conflict by donating, volunteering, or participating in their campaigns and events.

➡️ Engage in advocacy activities by contacting policymakers, writing letters, or signing petitions calling for stronger measures to eliminate sexual violence in conflict.

➡️ Share informative articles, resources, and survivor stories on social media to spread awareness and promote understanding.

➡️ Educate yourself and others about the issue by reading books, watching documentaries, or attending film screenings that shed light on sexual violence in conflict and its impact.

The target audience for the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict includes individuals, organizations, governments, and communities committed to addressing and eradicating sexual violence in conflict. It is celebrated by survivors, activists, human rights organizations, women's rights organizations, peacebuilding organizations, government agencies, and concerned individuals worldwide.

#EndSexualViolenceInConflict

#️⃣ #EliminateSViC

#️⃣ #StopRapeInConflict

#️⃣ #SupportSurvivors

#️⃣ #JusticeForSurvivors

The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, observed on June 19th annually, shines a spotlight on the grave issue of sexual violence committed during times of conflict. It serves as a global call to action to eliminate this horrendous violation of human rights and support survivors. This special day aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence in conflict zones, advocate for justice and accountability, and prevent further atrocities. It is a day to stand in solidarity with survivors, amplify their voices, and work towards a world free from the scourge of sexual violence in conflict.

The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict was established by the United Nations to address the urgent need for comprehensive action. It stems from the recognition that sexual violence is not an inevitable consequence of war but a deliberate tactic employed to undermine individuals, communities, and entire societies. This observance commemorates the resilience of survivors and acknowledges their strength in the face of unimaginable trauma. By highlighting the interconnectedness between sexual violence, conflict, and peacebuilding, the day emphasizes the critical role of prevention, justice, and survivor support in achieving sustainable peace.

On this day, various activities take place worldwide to promote awareness, foster dialogue, and advocate for change. Panel discussions, conferences, and awareness campaigns educate the public about the realities of sexual violence in conflict and advocate for robust measures to prevent and respond to these crimes. Survivor support initiatives provide crucial services to those affected, helping them heal, rebuild their lives, and access justice. Policy and legal advocacy efforts seek to strengthen national and international frameworks to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure survivors' rights. Together, these actions contribute to a collective movement towards a world where sexual violence in conflict is eliminated, survivors are supported, and lasting peace is achieved.