United Nations – International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict (19 Jun. 2022)

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, France reiterates that it utterly condemns this violence, everywhere and in all circumstances, whether it is used as a method or weapon of war, torture or terror.

France is taking resolute action to combat this violence. It is providing financial support of €6.2 million (2020-2022) to the Global Fund for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, a fund set up by Dr Mukwege and Ms Nadia Murad, recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018.

France hosted the Generation Equality Forum in Paris from 30 June to 2 July 2021, co-chaired with Mexico and under the aegis of UN Women, during which more than $40 billion of finance was released and 1,000 commitments announced to support a Global Acceleration Plan for Gender Equality, including an Action Coalition on Gender-Based Violence.

At national level, France’s commitment to fighting conflict-related sexual violence is reflected in the launch of the Third National Action Plan to implement the Security Council’s so-called “Women, Peace and Security” resolutions, which aim to increase the involvement of women in conflict resolution and peace consolidation and more effectively protect them from violence, including sexual violence.

France will relentlessly continue its fight against this intolerable violence. It will continue to argue in favour of securing the universal adoption of the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention, which is the most advanced international instrument to combat violence against women. The International Criminal Court, in view of its essential role in fighting international crimes involving conflict-related sexual violence, must be supported.