15 Jun 2014

British deputy high commissioner, Mr Oliver Richards says countries should fight the growing problem of sexual violence especially in conflict zones.

Speaking at a UN debate on sexual violence in Gaborone on June 11, Mr Richards said the event was one of the many around the world meant to raise the profile of one of the greatest, most persistent and most neglected injustices: sexual violence used as a weapon of war.

He noted that as for the UK, preventing sexual violence in conflict one of their key priorities, adding that sexual violence in conflict zones inflicted unimaginable suffering. On top of that it was degrading and dehumanised victims in all respect.

He therefore said this inventiveness, the Prevention of Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) sought to change mentalities and misconceptions connected to sexual violence by supporting survivors, bringing perpetrators to justice and providing support for the restoration of communities. 

Mr Richards further told the sizable audience, which was made up of students, teachers and members of the media, that in 2013 G8 foreign ministers signed a declaration that reaffirmed sexual violence in conflict was a grave breach of the Geneva Convention and its additional protocols.

Mr Richards said sexual violence was the worst form of human rights violation one could ever think of and therefore called for committed action towards dealing with this problem.  He noted the British government had been raising awareness against this violence for the past couple of months in partnership with the civil societ.

Meanwhile a clip on British Foreign Secretary speech William Hague at this week London Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict was played the attendants. Special Envoy of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Angela Jolie is in attendance.

This Global Summit will be the largest event ever held on this issue, with around 140 countries and international bodies represented, as well as NGOs and members of the military, medical and legal professions from around the world. 

Botswana is represented by Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Mr Dikgakgamatso Seretse. ENDS