Conflict-related sexual violence is man-made and therefore entirely preventable

19 August, 2025

Today, the UN Security Council convened for its annual open debate on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). The latest report by the Secretary-General, covering 2024, documents more than 4,600 cases of CRSV, the vast majority of which – 92 percent – affected women. Darja Bavdaž Kuret, Ambassador-at-Large for Women, Peace and Security, expressed alarm over the findings of the report and strongly condemned the use of sexual violence as a tactic of war, torture, terror, and political repression.

As emphasized by SRSG Pramila Patten in the debate, “the report now spans 21 situations of concern, with the highest number of cases being recorded in the Central African Republic, the DRC, Haiti, Somalia, and South Sudan.” Sadly, in the course of 2024, the report marks a “staggering 25 percent increase from 2023” due to the scope of conflicts and warfare globally.

“The atrocity of conflict-related sexual violence is man-made and therefore entirely preventable,” Ambassador Bavdaž Kuret told the 15-member body. It is crucial to fully implement the equal rights of women and girls and ensure their full, equal, meaningful and safe participation at all levels of decision-making, including peacebuilding. If we are serious about a just and lasting peace, gender equality and the full realization of women’s rights are of paramount importance.

Slovenia is also supporting efforts to ensure accountability and deliver justice for survivors. Accountability shifts shame from victims to perpetrators and helps break cycles of violence. Additionally, it is crucial to support women on the frontlines as well as to protect healthcare infrastructure, medical personnel, and humanitarian actors from all forms of attacks. “Local women-led and women’s rights organizations are not merely service providers, but essential peacebuilders. Slovenia calls for a zero-tolerance approach to violence against women human rights defenders and peacebuilders,” Ambassador Bavdaž Kuret stated.

Slovenia remains resolute in its determination to work with partners to strengthen safeguards against impunity, hold perpetrators to account, and support survivors.