Mogadishu – On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the United Nations in Somalia today called for enhancing the legal protection of all Somalis from sexual violence.
 
"The severe drought that has affected Somalia for the last five years, coupled with the ongoing conflict, has exposed women and girls to increased risks of sexual violence – the adoption of laws that reinforce the legal protection of all people, especially women and girls, from sexual violence will help make a difference," said the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Catriona Laing.
 
Somalia is yet to adopt a law to strengthen the legal framework for prosecuting conflict-related sexual violence. Such a law will be a critical step towards ensuring that survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Somalia receive justice and that perpetrators are held accountable.
 
The United Nations in Somalia has been conducting capacity-building for government officials on human rights and international humanitarian law, as well as monitoring and reporting human rights violations including conflict-related sexual violence. It has also supported national efforts to ensure that sexual offence legislation is consistent with the government's international legal obligations and commitments to the protection of children and women.  
 
The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed annually on 19 June, with the date marking the Security Council’s adoption of a resolution recognizing sexual violence as a weapon of war and a threat to international peace and security. The aim of the Day is to remind the world of the collective responsibility to prevent and end sexual violence in conflict, and to uphold the dignity and human rights of everyone.