While we applaud the evolvement of a global normative framework on sexual vio...

While we applaud the evolvement of a global normative framework on sexual violence in armed conflict, not least through the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, resolution 1325 (2000) and others, it is a tragic fact that citizens, particularly women, in large numbers continue to be victimized in conflicts. Being softer targets, women and children are particularly exploited as tactics in combat, becoming casualties too many times with impunity. With its multifold health, social, cultural and economic impact armed-conflict-related sexual violence not only affects the victims, but imposes long-lasting disarray on their families, communities and societies at large.