Call to action seeks to protect rights and wellbeing of those born as a result of sexual violence
The UK Government have announced a call to action to ensure the rights and wellbeing of children who are born of sexual violence in conflict.
In a policy paper it was stated that there are “substantial numbers of children continue to be born from this sexual violence” which deeply affects “both the children and the women who give birth to them”. The government recognised that there is “significant action” needed to ensue children born of sexual violence in conflict can experienced full lives, free from persecution.
The paper acknowledged that “children born of sexual violence are also falling through the cracks” which can lead to them facing significant challenges in “pursuing their dreams throughout their lives”. Such disadvantages include missing out on education, healthcare, and opportunities. In some countries it has also been revealed that children born of sexual violence cannot be registered at birth. The call to action also stated:
“Recognising the need for concerted efforts at the global, regional, national and local level to support the realisation of the rights of children born of sexual violence in conflict, we commit to developing a Platform of Action that will promote the rights and well-being of these children without discrimination or stigma.”
The paper outlined the government’s commitment to:
- speak out on the challenges faced by children born of sexual violence in conflict and their role in building peaceful, prosperous societies in national, regional and global discussions
- provide space for children born of sexual violence and the survivors who bore them to share their knowledge safely and meaningfully in discussions and debates affecting them
- strengthen legal and policy frameworks to eliminate barriers and pro-actively support the rights and well-being of children born of sexual violence in conflict
- encourage child-sensitive approaches to sustainable development that recognise children born of sexual violence amongst the most vulnerable and at risk of being left behind
The government hopes that by working together with other countries to develop a “Planned for Action” framework, children born of sexual violence in conflict will not have to pay the price for the circumstances of their birth. The call to action has already been endorsed by a number of countries and organisations, such as:
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Norway
- Republic of South Sudan
- Mexico
- Guatemala
- Republic of Kosovo
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Canada
- Republic of Croatia
- Federal Republic of Nigeria
- New Zealand
- UN Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict
- UN Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict
- UN Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children
- Global Survivors Fund
- The Children Born of War Project
