On this International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, CAFRAD – the Pan-African Intergovernmental Organization – joins the international community in reaffirming its commitment to human dignity, the protection of fundamental rights, and the promotion of peaceful, inclusive, and resilient societies.

This International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed annually on June 19. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in June 2015, it aims to raise public awareness of the need to end this scourge. The day serves as a call to action to prevent these crimes, support survivors, promote medical and psychological assistance, strengthen justice and reparations mechanisms, and pay tribute to those who are truly fighting to eradicate these criminal acts.

In 2026, this commemoration takes place against a backdrop of ongoing conflicts around the world, where women, girls, men, and boys continue to be subjected to sexual violence used as a weapon of war, terror, and domination. These acts constitute grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Sexual violence in conflict is not limited to physical assaults; it also encompasses rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, and other forms of abuse aimed at destroying communities and sowing fear. These attacks result in profound psychological trauma, social stigma, forced displacement, and difficulties accessing both healthcare and justice.

Since the adoption of several United Nations Security Council resolutions, the international community has strengthened its commitment to combating these crimes. However, many challenges remain, including impunity for perpetrators, inadequate support services for victims, and obstacles to evidence gathering in conflict zones. The 2026 edition of this day is an opportunity to reiterate that combating sexual violence in conflict requires collective action. Governments, international organizations, civil society, and local communities all have a crucial role to play in protecting vulnerable populations, ensuring access to justice, and promoting the reconstruction of societies affected by war.

CAFRAD, aware of this challenge, emphasizes the essential role of public institutions, national administrations, regional organizations, and civil society in combating impunity, promoting gender equality, and strengthening governance to serve peace and human security. It contributes by building the capacity of officials in African institutions responsible for formulating and implementing national security policies and strategies. The sessions provide an opportunity to examine the internal and external threats currently affecting the continent, to determine the strategies and responses to be implemented through new governance, strengthened security collaborations, and support for countries’ development efforts.

Beyond condemning these acts, this day pays tribute to the courage and resilience of survivors. It underscores the importance of giving them a voice, recognizing their rights, and offering them appropriate support to rekindle their hope and share the joy of rebuilding a life with dignity.

In this spirit, CAFRAD expresses its solidarity with all survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. It pays tribute to their courage and calls for strengthening mechanisms for prevention, protection, support, and justice. This Friday, June 19, 2026, the international community is called upon to renew its commitment to a world where no one is a victim of sexual violence as a result of armed conflict. Ending these crimes is a collective responsibility that demands solidarity, justice, and sustained action.

Together, let us mobilize to end sexual violence in conflict and build a future based on justice, dignity, and peace for all.