Ending sexual violence in conflict
World politicians, legal and military experts, NGOs, and representatives from leading international organizations, including the OSCE, are coming together in London for the biggest global meeting ever on putting an end to sexual violence in conflict.
Sexual violence in conflict is sadly not a new phenomenon. It continues to be used as a weapon against girls and boys, women and men, in conflicts, both long and short, around the world.
Sexual violence can have devastating long-term and life-changing consequences for the victims, long after the guns have fallen silent.
A culture of impunity often means that the crimes go unpunished, while victims of sexual violence are sometimes afraid or embarrassed about reporting the trauma they experienced.
The London Summit, from 10-13 June 2014, aims to create sense of irreversible movement towards ending the use of sexual violence in conflict, by urging to the international community improving investigations, provide greater support to victims, promote gender equality in all peace and security efforts, and improve international co-ordination.
The OSCE, with its conflict prevention mandate, works at all stages of the conflict cycle including early warning, prevention, crisis management, and post-conflict rehabilitation.
With its experience and presence in the field and commitments which oblige its participating States to work for gender equality, human rights and democratic civilian control of the armed forces, the OSCE is well placed to assist in stamping out this abhorrent crime.
The search for justice
Endemic sexual violence was a particularly appalling feature of the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The OSCE has been working in Bosnia and Herzegovina since the conflict and as part of its activities, has been supporting local judiciaries as they take on the war crimes caseload.
Although the OSCE Mission has noted progress has been in made in the number of cases involving conflict-related sexual violence heard before local courts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, some victims are still too scared to speak out, while for those who have, justice has come too slow.
WATCH: Closing the Impunity Gap, a video by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on how the country is acting against wartime rape.
A force for good
Conflict-related sexual violence, when used as a tactic of war, is a security issue that demands a security response. The military is a critical partner for protection and prevention.
The OSCE has long acknowledged that equal rights for women and men and the protection of all human rights are essential to sustainable peace and security.
“In order to react to, and report on sexual violence in conflict, peacekeeping forces and armed forces need to have a different modus operandi,” she said. “If sexual harassment and sexual abuse is permitted within the forces, sexual violence in conflict is less likely to elicit a response.”
Internal oversight mechanisms within the armed forces and policing play a key role in building a respectful work culture, where discrimination, harassment and bullying do not occur, and any incidents are effectively dealt with.
The OSCE Gender Section, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) have developed a Guidance Note as a practical resource for militaries, and for those who manage and support them, on how military disciplinary and justice systems can integrate a gender-sensitive approach. These should strive to build a command climate of prevention that is based on mutual respect and trust, that recognizes and embraces diversity, and that values the contributions of all its members.
“Sexual assault should be recognized as violating the core values of what being a professional in the armed forces is about and is something that ultimately destroys unit cohesion,” says Beham.
A significant culture shift within the armed forces that is respectful of women and men, and promotes gender equality will lead to more effective action in preventing and responding to sexual violence against women and men in conflict.
“When the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the armed forces are implemented and protected, the military will be more likely to uphold and respect the rights and freedoms of others when carrying out their duties.”
Ambassador Miroslava Beham, OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues