OSCE SGBV

One of the greatest challenges of modern times is the normalization of violence at all levels — be it local, regional, national or international — as it poses a real threat to the lives of women and children. Indeed, attacks on women and girls, as well as the horror of sexual slavery, are sometimes part of the strategies used by combatants and violent extremist groups to achieve their ends. This morning we heard several dreadful examples of this fact.

Thirdly, reducing sexual and gender-based violence in conflict also means addressing violence against women and domestic violence in times of peace. That is another focus of our work. For example, in July we organized a conference on combating violence against women where we exchanged good practices and promoted the ratification of the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.