Secretary-General Appoints Zainab Hawa Bangura of Sierra Leone Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Zainab Hawa Bangura of Sierra Leone as his 'Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict' at the level of Under-Secretary-General. Ms. Bangura will replace Margot Wallström, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her dedicated service and able leadership in achieving milestones within a challenging … [Read more...]
BOGOTA – Margot Wallström hears stories of sexual violence
May 22, 2012 by
Margot Wallström hears stories from survivors of sexual violence in an IDP community, 100 km from Bogota, Colombia. UN Photo/R. Riveros Colombia must increase its efforts to fight impunity for crimes of sexual violence, a United Nations envoy said today, adding that such efforts should be paired with assistance to survivors and victims.“I understand that the country as a whole wants to look to the future, instead of dwelling on the past, but there can be no lasting peace without security … [Read more...]
DR Congo: UN envoy concerned about possible sexual violence
May 9, 2012 by
“immediately cease all forms of violence, including sexual violence, and human rights abuses against the civilian population…, lay down their arms and demobilize,” A top United Nations official has voiced her concern about the latest wave of fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), especially in areas that have previously witnessed sexual violence committed against civilians by members of armed groups. “I call on all parties to immediately refrain from any acts of … [Read more...]
UN report, sexual violence during conflict, singles out worst offenders
February 24, 2012 by
Special Representative Margot Wallström presents the Secretary-General’s report on conflict-related sexual violence to the Security Council. UN Photo/JC McIlwaine The annual United Nations report documenting conflict-related sexual violence around the world today for the first time names some of the military forces, militia and other armed groups that are suspected of being among the worst offenders.The groups listed in the report include the Lord’s Resistance Army … [Read more...]
Margot Wallström, UN envoy hails Congolese to pursue rape cases …
April 2, 2011 by
UN envoy hails Congolese move to pursue rape cases against top military officers Special envoy Margot Wallström, visiting the DRC in October 2010, listens to the public about rapes The official spearheading United Nations efforts to combat the scourge of sexual violence during war today welcomed the decision of authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to prosecute several high-ranking military officers accused of rape. DRC authorities have initiated judicial … [Read more...]
'City of Joy' assists and empowers survivors of sexual violence in DR Congo
February 14, 2011 by
UNICEF: 'City of Joy' assists and empowers survivors of sexual violence in DR Congo By Cornelia Walther BUKAVU, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 9 February 2011 – Under a blue sky, the air is filled with women’s laughter and songs. It is the perfect setting for the opening of ‘City of Joy,’ a joint project of UNICEF and the non-governmental organization V-Day, providing a safe haven for survivors of sexual violence. City of Joy will serve 180 women between the ages of 14 and … [Read more...]
