International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict – June 19, 2024

History of International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

Sexual violence during conflict has always been considered an unfortunate result of war, and people have often kept silent about it. One of the first attempts to make a law during armed conflict took place during the American Civil War, with the publication of the Lieber Code in February of 1863. In the law, sexual assault is explicitly mentioned as a punishable act and rape an executable offense. The law was later changed, and the word ‘rape’ disappeared from the text, as the legislators preferred to speak of an attack on the ‘honor of the family.’ This term ‘honor’ is found again in the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, but there are few tweaks as women are mentioned as people who need protection; the word ‘rape’ is reintroduced as an example of an attack on the honor of women.

Ever since its foundation was laid, the International Committee of the Red Cross (I.C.R.C.) has been vocal about the brutalities of war; however, it was not until the late 1990s that the I.C.R.C. became involved in the issue of sexual violence committed during situations of armed conflict. The second additional protocol of 1977 to the Geneva Convention lists prohibitions which include “outrages against personal dignity, rape, enforced prostitution and any form of indecent assault” at any time and any place when committed against persons who did not take part in hostilities.

The number of gender-related killings has increased in recent years, and the day brings to the fore the need for urgent action to empower and protect women and girls and to save lives by preventing gender-based violence. It also commemorates the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world and pays tribute to all those who have selflessly dedicated their lives to eradicating these crimes.