We are gathered because we all agree on the importance of addressing an issue...

We are gathered because we all agree on the importance of addressing an issue that cries out for the world's conscience, and that is sexual violence in conflict. We agree that the challenge is urgent and immense. The human cost is all too real. Armed conflicts continue to have a devastating impact, particularly on women and girls. Rape, sexual assault and gender-based violence are all too often used deliberately and cynically as weapons of war, and the fight to end sexual violence has yet to be universally recognized as central to securing international peace and security.