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Home arrow What's New arrow UN Affirms Rape and Sexual Violence Are War Crimes
UN Affirms Rape and Sexual Violence Are War Crimes PDF Print E-mail
On June 19 2008, the UN Security Council passed a resolution that defined rape and sexual violence as war crimes and called for measures to combat them. The U.S.-sponsored resolution, introduced by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, had failed to pass last year with China, Russia and South Africa claiming that rape and sexual violence are “an unfortunate byproduct of war…not a matter of international peace and security” (LA Times).  At the UN meeting, Secretary Rice declared, “We affirm that sexual violence profoundly affects not only the health and safety of women but the economic and social stability of their nations.”

This feat comes as Women Thrive Worldwide, Amnesty International USA, and Family Violence Prevention, along with numerous other NGOs, lead a campaign to increase U.S. leadership to end violence against women and girlsglobally. Violence is a devastating occurrence and affects the lives of millions of women and girls worldwide, particularly in times of war and similar conflict.  It prevents women from going to work and taking advantage of the few opportunities available to them, hurting the economies of some of the poorest countries and communities.
Last Updated ( Friday, 06 March 2009 )
 
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