Sexual violence affects millions of children in conflicts. Our research and p...

Sexual violence affects millions of children in conflicts. Our research and programming indicate that the majority of the survivors of sexual violence in conflict-affected countries are children — mostly girls but also boys. Sexual violence has significant physical, psychological and social impacts on children, but their needs for specific protection and child-sensitive responses are frequently neglected. In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, our assessments in and around Goma have revealed significant numbers of children affected by sexual violence. Save the Children is working in the camps to identify victims so as to assist them with appropriate health and psychosocial services. More action is needed to end sexual violence, including legal reforms and adequate funding to support child-sensitive and appropriate responses. We call on Member States to place children at the centre of international action on sexual violence in conflict; to ensure the necessary resources, expertise and political backing for prevention and response; and to hold perpetrators accountable.