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Published: Wednesday, 19 June 2019 07:31

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Photo: PLUnited Nations, June 19.- On the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflicts, the UN calls today to provide care to survivors of these aggressions, provide them with medical assistance and psychosocial support, among others.

The date of this year highlights the need for a holistic approach focused on survivors that strengthens the resilience of affected people and minimizes the risk of trauma, social ostracism, stigma and retaliation.

On Wednesday, the Board room of the UN Trust Administration will host the panel discussion 'The importance of a focus on the survivor'.

The effects of sexual violence related to the conflict are reproduced for generations through trauma, stigma, poverty, poor health and unwanted pregnancies, experts say.

In an effort to counteract these effects, the UN Security Council adopted on April 23 a resolution that articulates a focus on survivors for the prevention and response to sexual violence in conflict situations.

Such an approach requires greater attention to physical and economic security, which includes mental, physical and sexual health.

In addition, this perspective has several facets, among them: medical and psychosocial assistance; sexual and reproductive health care; educational, economic and livelihood support; justice for the survivors and their children; and the end of the impunity of the perpetrators.

In 2015, the UN General Assembly proclaimed June 19 as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.

The date was chosen to commemorate the adoption, on June 19, 2008, of Security Council resolution 1820, which condemned sexual violence as a tactic of war and an impediment to the consolidation of peace.

Also, this year marks the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the mandate of the special representative of the UN Secretary General on sexual violence in conflicts.

During the last decade there has been a paradigm shift in the understanding of the scourge of sexual violence related to the conflict, which is now seen as a threat to international peace and security.

On the other hand, many insist on the need to recognize and address gender inequality as the cause and driving force of sexual violence, in times of war and peace. (PL)