PRESS STATEMENT 15/2016 

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) today commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. Sexual violence is a widespread and ugly reality facing millions of women and their families, including in Somalia.

“Conflict-related sexual violence constitute grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. It is deplorable that these crimes continue to be committed in many parts of Somalia,” said the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Michael Keating. “Sexual violence must be stopped. Effective measures must be put in place to end the impunity of the perpetrators of such crimes by holding them accountable under Somali laws.”

In 2015, trends on sexual gender-based violence and conflict related sexual violence in Somalia revealed that these two areas continue to be a critical protection concern. Reports revealed that 94% of sexual violence cases are targeting female, confirming that women and girls continue to be particularly at risk.

Furthermore, 74% of these survivors are internally displaced persons, which corroborates the fact that displaced persons continue to be the most vulnerable and in need of more protection.

The 19^th of June also recognizes the importance of providing timely assistance and access to medical support, legal aid, psychosocial support and economic and other social support to survivors of sexual violence and of promoting their rehabilitation and non-stigmatization. In this regard, the SRSG calls on Somali authorities to put in place measures to ensure these services are provided and review or develop law and policy to strengthen accountability and the protection of victims and witnesses.

“Today is also a day to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence and to pay tribute to all those who have courageously devoted their lives to and lost their lives in standing up for the eradication of these crimes,” said SRSG Keating.