Human Rights Watch called on the UN Security Council to act to prevent and address sexual violence in conflict, pointing to a report by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon which was released on Monday that detailed ongoing conflict related sexual violence during 2014 in 19 countries, including Sri Lanka.
“In conflicts around the world, armies and armed groups use sexual violence as a devastating tactic of war,” said HRW's women’s rights advocacy director, Nisha Varia.
“The UN Security Council should not dodge its responsibilities to survivors and should take strong action to support survivors and sanction those responsible for sexual violence," she added.
In a statement released on Tuesday, HRW called for credible investigations into allegations of sexual violence in Sri Lanka and reparations for victims.
"The high levels of unpunished sexual violence in Nepal and Sri Lanka during their long internal conflicts demonstrate the long-lasting impact of conflict-related sexual violence, the need for credible investigations into allegations of such violence, and the need for reparations for victims," the New York based organisation said.
“Prevention efforts, protection measures, and service provision will not succeed unless they are designed in consultation with the people they are meant to assist,” Ms Varia added. “Women’s participation and leadership in programming and planning are essential ingredients.”
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