UN urges Somalia to enact laws to prosecute conflict-related sexual violence

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The UN has called on Somalia to enact laws to prosecute conflict-related sexual violence noting that many victims of such violence especially women and girls have increasingly suffered with no legal recourse.

UN head in Somalia Catriona Laing said in marking the  International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict that adverse climatic conditions in Somalia have exacerbated conflict-related 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,” Laing said.

The UN Assitance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) said 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 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.