Geneva, Switzerland (Sept. 30, 2009) - CARE International today applauded the unanimous adoption of a new UN Security Council resolution to fight sexual violence in armed conflict.

“This resolution is an historic step forward in creating effective action against the scourge of violence against women and girls globally,” said Robert Glasser, Secretary General of CARE International. “We are highly encouraged by the leadership of the UN Security Council on this issue and hope that the new resolution leads to meaningful efforts to both prevent and respond to sexual violence, particularly against women and girls.”

Resolution 1888 calls for the immediate appointment of a new high-level Special Representative for conflict-related sexual violence to strengthen UN leadership and coordination of global efforts to put an end to this weapon of war. It also recognizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing sexual violence – including increasing access to health care, psychosocial support and legal assistance for survivors of such violence, and working to help communities overcome the social stigma of rape.

CARE and other agencies working in countries affected by conflict have been calling on the international community to live up to the numerous international commitments made over the years to protect and empower women during and after conflict, including addressing the underlying causes of gender-based violence. However, much of the rhetoric has not translated into real action.

“CARE works with communities, governments, and local organizations in many countries around the world to prevent and address gender-based violence. CARE takes a multi-pronged approach by addressing underlying causes of gender-based violence, improving legal, health and support services for survivors, empowering women and girls, and working with men and boys in fighting sexual and gender-based violence. There is a need to invest in long-term programs that include this full range of approaches,” said Janet Meyers, CARE’s Senior Technical Adviser for Sexual and Reproductive Health in Emergencies. These long-term processes begin with development programs and continue throughout the humanitarian response to emergencies and post-disaster activities.

“These types of programs take time, but they’re investments that will reap huge benefits – not only in preventing the trauma suffered by survivors of violence but also the ills that result from it, including the ostracism of women by their husbands, the breakdown of families and communities, and the spread of HIV,” said Meyers.

The challenge now is to ensure that governments, donors, UN agencies and other actors act immediately to implement the provisions of this landmark resolution. It’s a critical opportunity for the UN to maintain its leadership to galvanize international action for the benefit of millions of women and girls around the world.

UNSC Resolution 1888 also calls for:

• The UN Secretary-General to submit proposals within three months for better prevention of sexual violence – based on a study that identifies existing gaps in field-based response.
• The UN Secretary-General to identify staff to serve as Women’s Protection Advisors as needed at field level.
• The UN Secretary-General to develop a deployable team of experts to work with national authorities to strengthen rule of law (mediation, criminal investigation, witness protection, fair trial standards, public outreach, etc.).
• The encouragement of States, “with the support of the international community, to increase access to health care, psychosocial support, legal assistance and socio-economic reintegration services for victims of sexual violence, in particular in rural areas.”
• The UN Secretary-General to ensure technical support (training, guidelines, doctrine) to military and peacekeeping personnel.
• The laying of groundwork for UN architecture aimed at ending impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict.

Resolution 1888 also reiterates commitment to earlier UN Security Council resolutions:
 
• Recognises need for more empowerment of women and their involvement in peace processes.
• Recognises the need for more women in peacekeeping operations and other security forces.
• Encourages civil society to provide assistance in close cooperation with national authorities to build national capacity in the judicial and law enforcement systems.
• Reiterates its intention, when adopting or renewing targeted sanctions in conflict, to consider including designation criteria pertaining to acts of rape and other forms of sexual violence.
• Requests the UN Secretary-General to submit annual reports to the UN Security Council on the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1820.

About CARE: CARE International is a leading aid organization fighting global poverty and delivering emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters. In nearly 70 countries around the world, CARE works with communities to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, improve maternal and child health, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources.

Media contacts:
Melanie Brooks (Geneva): +41 79 590 30 47, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it