Contemporary conflicts create situations in which women and children are most...

Contemporary conflicts create situations in which women and children are most affected by the deterioration of living conditions and fundamental rights. Deprivation of rights and violence often go hand in hand with conflict. We emphasize that rape as a weapon of war is unacceptable. Efforts to fight impunity, provide assistance to victims and hold perpetrators accountable must be intensified and better coordinated. Regrettably, sexual and gender-based violence often continue after peace deals are reached, due to insufficient investment in protection and prevention strategies or weak security and justice institutions.