Symposium to Address Rising Crisis of Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones Worldwide

Rome, November 5, 2024: The British Embassy to the Holy See in collaboration with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), will host a symposium on November 6 in Rome to address the global crisis of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). Titled “Tackling Conflict-Related Sexual Violence through Education: A Faith-Based Approach,” the event will unite Catholic organizations, survivors and advocacy leaders to examine the severe impact of CRSV on communities worldwide and explore solutions grounded in faith-based education and advocacy.

Conflict-related sexual violence continues to escalate globally, disproportionately affecting women and girls. According to the 2023 UN Secretary-General’s Annual Report, cases of CRSV rose by 50% over the past year, with over 95% of incidents involving women and girls, though unreported cases likely make the real figures even higher. The British Embassy and JRS highlighted this crisis in a joint press release, noting the particular prevalence of CRSV in conflict zones such as Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar, Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where millions of women and girls live under the constant threat of violence.

Victor Setibo, JRS’s Country Director in DRC, will deliver the keynote address, sharing insights from JRS’s programs, which focus on empowering survivors through education and community support. Other prominent speakers include Sr. Elena Balatti, a Comboni Missionary Sister in South Sudan; Erica Hall, Head of Policy and Government Relations at World Vision UK and Mónica Santamarina, President General of The World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations.

British Ambassador to the Holy See, Christopher Trott, emphasized the crucial role of faith-based organizations in addressing CRSV. “The scale of the challenge that conflict-related sexual violence presents around the world is enormous,” Trott stated. “It shatters lives and destroys communities. The United Kingdom remains a global leader in tackling this issue and faith-based communities, especially the Catholic Church, are essential allies in this critical work.”

The symposium also aims to encourage a united commitment by introducing the Declaration of Humanity by Leaders of Faith and Leaders of Belief, a statement affirming the dignity of survivors and children born from CRSV, while pledging to take preventive and restorative action.

Courtesy: Vatican News