Armed conflict is devastating to any human being. However, it has disproporti...

Armed conflict is devastating to any human being. However, it has disproportionate effects on women and girls. Their voices are silenced in conflict and their basic rights lost in the political and social deterioration that accompanies conflict. They become disempowered. A few days ago, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1888 (2009). That was another commendable endeavour to further strengthen the efforts of the international community to combat sexual violence in armed conflicts.