Today's debate addresses an urgent matter. More and more, we are witnessing a...

Today's debate addresses an urgent matter. More and more, we are witnessing a disturbing trend in the use of sexual violence as a political and military tool, the effects of which are grave and long lasting, often alienating entire communities. Although conflict related sexual violence is not a women's issue, it is a known fact that a disproportionate number of victims of such violence are women and girls. Sexual violence affects all aspects of women's lives, compromising their wellbeing, security and basic human rights. It further exacerbates the inequities that women face and, in so doing, it threatens peace, security, development and post-conflict peacebuilding efforts. As such, addressing sexual violence demands a multilayered approach and requires involvement on the international, regional and national levels. We must identify the crime and bring those responsible to justice.