June 17 (V7N) - This year’s International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict highlights children who suffer this horrific crime.
As conflicts intensify worldwide, a disturbing number of girls and boys are subjected to rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage, and trafficking. Many are attacked in their homes or while fleeing violence. Others are abducted or recruited as fighters, forced to witness atrocities, or even coerced into committing sexual violence themselves.
Sexual violence against children is used as a deliberate tactic — to punish communities and break social ties. Survivors can face lifelong consequences, including severe physical and psychological trauma and social exclusion.
Ending this atrocity demands action in three areas:
Protection – Keep children in conflict zones safe from harm.
Accountability – Ensure survivors get justice and perpetrators are held responsible.
Prevention – Address the root causes of sexual violence, strengthen institutions, and fund child-focused services. Comprehensive support for survivors is essential to help them and their families rebuild.
Children must never be targets of war. Protecting them is both a legal duty and a moral obligation for every combatant and every state.
Conflict often robs children of their childhood. But together, we can create a future where every girl and boy grows up with safety and dignity.
END/WD/RH
