UN Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict

Read our full analysis of this year's debate, which took place on 17 July 2020.

On 17 July 2020, the UN Security Council, under the presidency of Germany, held an open debate on the topic of sexual violence in conflict. Key themes for the debate set out in the concept note included important topics such as implementation and accountability; supporting holistic approaches to Women, Peace and Security; centreing the priorities and needs of survivors in work on sexual violence; ensuring compliance with existing Security Council resolutions; and promoting human rights and addressing gender inequality as a root cause of conflict. The debate largely focused on a survivor-centred approach and addressing accountability, with a few statements encouraging and connecting the need for access to sexual and reproductive health and rights for survivors.