We share the assessment of Special Representative that fostering national own...

We share the assessment of Special Representative that fostering national ownership, leadership and responsibility in addressing sexual violence are some of the most important aspects in the fight against sexual violence. It is essential that local communities consider sexual violence as a crime. Regrettably, as noted in the report, often, as a consequence of being raped in conflict, there are reports of coerced marriages of survivors to either the perpetrator or their family members. It is certain, as the report also notes, that compelling rape survivors to marry the perpetrators re-victimizes them. That results in impunity for perpetrators and sends the message that sexual violence is socially acceptable.