Foreign Secretary & UNICEF UK Campaigners Demand End to Rape of Children in War
28 May 2014 10:33 AM
Leading female campaigners,
UNICEF UK and the Foreign Secretary William Hague met recently to discuss how
to drive forward international action to end the rape and abuse of children in
war zones.
The group – including
UNICEF UK Deputy Executive Director Anita Tiessen and human rights barrister
Amal Alamuddin – visited the Foreign Office for talks on how to deliver
change for children ahead of the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in
Conflict in London in June. They were joined by Professor Geraldine Van
Bueren QC and Mumsnet Campaign Manager Rowan Davies.
“Sadly children are some
of the most at risk of rape and abuse in war zones and the impact on their
physical and social wellbeing can be catastrophic,” says Deputy Executive
Director of UNICEF UK Anita Tiessen.
“It is admirable and vital
that the UK Government has taken the lead in addressing this international
crisis and has organised a crucial summit in London in June.”
“Now world leaders must
seize this opportunity to take urgent action to protect children from sexual
violence in conflict - and support child survivors around the
world.”
The meeting was arranged after
the women wrote a letter to The Times newspaper in March, along with other
prominent women such as author J.K. Rowling, international fashion designer
Victoria Beckham, UNICEF UK Ambassador Jemima Khan and Mumsnet Co-Founder and
CEO Justine Roberts.
They highlighted that during
conflict children are at huge risk of abuse and violence as networks that
usually protect them – like social services and extended family –
often break down.
“Under international law,
the widespread or systematic rape of children in conflict zones can amount to a
crime against humanity,” says barrister Amal
Alamuddin.
“Those who carry out these
horrific acts must be held accountable."
"UNICEF knows from its
experience on the ground that sexual violence against children often goes
unreported as children fear stigma and retribution or because robust processes
do not exist to collect evidence," continues Amal Alamuddin.
"We need to ensure there
are systems in place that will enable child survivors to come forward and
access the justice they deserve.”
UNICEF works in conflict zones
around the world – from the Democratic Republic of Congo, to the Central
African Republic – to protect children from sexual
violence.
UNICEF UK welcomes the UK
Government's leadership in taking action to end the culture of impunity
surrounding such crimes.
Foreign Secretary William Hague
launched the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative in 2012 and is hosting the
Global Summit to End Sexual Violence at London's Excel Centre from June 10
- 13.
“I have spent time with
children in conflict zones in different parts of the world – most
recently in the Syria region – where sexual violence is a constant
threat,” says Anita Tiessen, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF
UK.
“This summer’s
Summit offers a unique opportunity for governments from around the world to put
concrete measures in place to protect children. Together we can help end
the rape and abuse of children in war.”
“The horrific mass
abduction of the Nigerian schoolgirls is a stark reminder of how vulnerable
children can be in countries affected by conflict. With every day that passes
these girls are at increased danger of sexual violence,” says Justine
Roberts, Co-Founder and CEO of Mumsnet.
“The #Bringbackourgirls
campaign has shown the incredible power of social media in mobilising millions
of people to join together and demand action. Hopefully this global attention
will help ensure the Summit supports work at a community level to end sexual
violence.”
“Sexual violence is
destroying childhoods across the world. Unless there are coordinated efforts to
protect children and help them seek justice, children will continue to endure
vicious cycles of violence and poverty,” says Professor Geraldine Van
Bueren QC.
“The culture of impunity
surrounding sexual crimes against children must be tackled – both in
international law and at community level. Furthermore, children who have
suffered acts of abuse must be supported to report the crimes and hold their
abusers to account.”
Notes to editors:
A high resolution photo of the
meeting is available.
For further information, please contact:
Claire Blackburn – UNICEF UK Media Office/ claireb@unicef.org.uk / + 44 (0)20 7375 6261
About
UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and
wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our
partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment
into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable
and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. UNICEF
UK raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work and advocates
for lasting change for children everywhere. We are a UK registered charity,
supported entirely by voluntary donations. We do not receive any money from the
UN. For more information, please visit unicef.org.uk