Safe and Alive, Give us a Chance

 Angie Vargas & Rahizza Lewis

On the 19th of June the International Day for the elimination of sexual violence in conflict is commemorated. Let's act for it!


During conflicts, the protection of healthcare facilities in refuges is fundamental in order to maintain the compromise with the protection of human rights and humanitarian law. Keeping hospitals as safe spaces for refugees to re-adapt to society is necessary so that the most vulnerable groups such as children and women do not get sexually violated. It is known that in shelters many women and girls are sexually violated and the consequences of it can be long term such as getting pregnant and they do not have the possibilities to take care of it. This is why we must stand in favor of acting for a world where refugees are welcomed by creating safe spaces for sexual violence survivors. 


Image: news.un.org

World cannot stand silent

We insist to the international society to take responsibility by teaching the new generations the pathways for peace so that these problems do not prolong.


António Guterres, the secretary of the United Nations, emphasizes that: 


Conflict-related sexual violence is a devastating form of attack & repression, which has lasting effects on survivors & destroys the social fabric of communities.


On the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, let's pledge to eliminate this scourge.



Let's make a change


Since 2008 the UN Security Council has adopted binding resolutions to address conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) issues. UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict (UN Action) is an interagency coordination forum created to work as a network of  25 UN entities, it aims to end sexual violence during and in the wake of armed conflict. UN Action works with survivors and at-risk groups of CRSV, and offers multisectoral aid (medical, psychological, security, and justice services).  

Programs and efforts made by UN Action are essential to protect refugees who have been victims of CRSV. These are created with the goal not only of mitigating the effects on the victims but also to prevent this scenario for at-risk groups.  

We understand that this topic is hard to explore due to the remoteness of this reality to ours. However, as students, women, and human rights advocates we recognize the importance of raising awareness, informing and educating people about the risks faced by people in areas with armed conflicts.  


What can we do to raise awareness? 

Social media is a useful tool that will help us carry out this goal. These are some things you could do: 

  1. Take a picture of yourself displaying the crossed arm gesture. In the caption explain the issue (conflict-related sexual violence issues). With this you are helping to inform your friends, classmates, and colleagues about this issue. Remember to include the hashtag #stoprapenow. 

  1. Help break the silence! Approach your local media (radio, newspapers, television) and ask them to inform viewers about sexual violence in conflict, its effects and what can be done to prevent it. 

  1.  Become an advocate to the cause: educate yourself and others. Use sources such as films and new articles. Here is a link to find films related to the cause: https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/film-library 

Comentarios

  1. Daniel Guadalupe8 de julio de 2024, 0:40

    Keeping safe spaces such as hospitals is a crucial action in order to protect human rights, even more when it comes to sexual violence in times of armed conflicts. To help people dealing with this situation is a great idea to raise awareness using social networks as a tool to communicate, educate and spread information worldwide. Another way to support and carry out the goal is by donating to non-government organizations in charge of raising funds to help victims of CRSV. As mentioned in the post, psychological assistance is one of the fundamental points to concern, we can collaborate by encouraging, and even donating if possible, the creation of more safe spaces for violence survivors. In addition, the victims need to reintegrate in a safe environment society in order to live a dignified life in a long term. To achieve this, awareness campaigns are necessary to create empathy towards victims, as well as avoid stigma and possible discrimination.

    ResponderEliminar

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