Foreign Secretary William Hague with UNHCR Special Envoy for Refugees Angelina Jolie Today, at an event in New York hosted by Foreign Secretary William Hague and UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zainab Bangura, 113 countries endorsed a historic new ‘Declaration of Commitment to end Sexual Violence in Conflict’ #timetoact.
The Declaration contains a set of practical and political commitments to end the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war, which terrorises and destroys communities during conflict. The Declaration sends an important message to the victims of these crimes that the international community has not forgotten them, and to the perpetrators of rape that they will be held to account.
Foreign Secretary, William Hague, said:
\"I am delighted that so many countries have supported this Declaration: a clear majority of the members of the United Nations. This is a milestone towards shattering impunity for those who commit horrific sexual crimes during times of war.
\"Next year the UK will host a major conference to increase international momentum around this issue. The conference will bring together governments with representatives from civil society, judiciaries and militaries from around the world.\"
Addressing the event by video link, UNHCR Special Envoy for Refugees Angelina Jolie said:
“This Declaration, endorsed by so many countries, marks a true global change in attitudes to warzone rape and sexual violence. It is the clearest statement we have heard, ever, that the international community must and will confront these crimes.”