New York, June 19, 2024 – On this International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Virginia Gamba, underscores the urgent need to address the pervasive and devastating impact of sexual violence on children in conflict zones worldwide.
To mark this important day, her Office released a new report entitled Responding to conflict-related sexual violence against boys associated with armed groups during the process of reintegration in Colombia. This report is the outcome of research conducted in partnership with the non-governmental organization All Survivors Project, and involved engagement with Colombian State entities, victims/survivors of child recruitment, and international and national child protection actors in Colombia.
The findings aim to support ongoing efforts by Colombia to strengthen its national reintegration program for children formerly associated with armed groups, with the view to reflect on how conflict-related sexual violence, in particular against boys, is addressed within this program. Through analysis of relevant reports, policies and guidelines, interviews and focus group discussions, the report highlights, amongst others, the importance of better facilitating safe disclosure channels, supporting boys and child protection practitioners to recognise and understand experiences of conflict-related sexual violence, offering gender and ethnic-sensitive long-term support, and strengthening family reintegration to address the cumulative harms that may be experienced by children by applying an intersectional lens, as a result of being recruited and used and sexually abused by armed groups.
This report is part of a broader initiative led by the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG CAAC), in partnership with All Survivors Project and financed by the Kingdom of Norway, to address conflict-related sexual violence against boys in various conflict situations. It follows a previous study conducted in the Central African Republic and aims to contribute to an overall deeper understanding of the vulnerabilities and needs of boy survivors of sexual violence during their association with armed forces or groups.
“Sexual violence against children in conflict is a grave violation of their rights and dignity”, stated the Special Representative, “this initiative aims to illuminate the specific struggles of boy survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and to guide all stakeholders in providing the support necessary for their healing and reintegration.”
In addition to the publication of this report, the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict will participate in an event organized by the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict entitled Attacks against healthcare in conflict-affected areas: impacts for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence where she will highlight the direct and indirect impact of attack against healthcare and related personnel on children victim of rape and other forms of sexual violence in situation of armed conflict.
“The participation in this event reflects our commitment to working closely with all UN entities and partners to address sexual violence in conflict comprehensively. Collaboration is key to achieving meaningful change and ensuring that no child is left behind in our protection efforts,” added Special Representative Gamba.
The OSRSG CAAC continues to advocate for stronger measures to protect children from sexual violence in conflict and to support their recovery and reintegration. The observance of this day is a call to action for the international community to implement its commitment to ending sexual violence in conflict and to supporting survivors in their journey towards healing.
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Note to editors:[1] rape and other forms of sexual violence is one of the six grave violations against children.
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For additional information:
Ariane Lignier, Communications Officer (ariane.lignier@un.org)
