EUROPE: EP Condemns Sexual Violence Against Women in Armed Conflict

Date: 
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Source: 
The Afro News
Countries: 
Europe
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Twelve years ago, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, calling for the protection of women who have suffered from sexual violence.

However, despite best intentions and efforts this commitment has yet not been fulfilled. Persistent violence against women in conflict-affected countries has not ended.

The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) MEP Norica Nicolai who drafted the report which was adopted by the Parliament said: “My report should be the starting point for more assertive involvement of the European Union in women, peace and security. The shocking situation in Congo, where on average 14 women per day are being raped, or in Columbia, where in most cases, the perpetrators of sexual violence go unpunished demonstrate the urgent need to scale up efforts in the fight against sexual violence.”

There can be no peace without justice, Ms. Nicolai emphasized. She said that perpetrators of sexual violence must be brought and tried in criminal courts.

She also called for strengthening of the justice systems by providing training for judges and prosecutors in the investigation and punishment of cases of sexual violence.
Prosecution cases should be highly visible and well-publicised, as a means of spreading the word that such practices are intolerable, Ms. Nicolai said.

Local civil society groups, particularly women's groups, can fulfil their role as watchdog, especially in the context of failing states. “The European Union should imperatively push for the inclusion of more women in the prevention, mediation and resolution of conflict,” Ms. Nicolai said. “Women's participation remains below a disappointing 10%. However women at the negotiating table provide an invaluable gender equality perspective, allowing for empowerment and better interaction at grass-roots level.”