UN and EU unite to call for urgent action on conflict-related sexual violence against children
UN and EU call for coordinated action to stop conflict-related sexual violence against children, protect survivors and strengthen accountability worldwide.
The United Nations and the European Union issued a joint appeal urging immediate, coordinated measures to halt conflict-related sexual violence against children, warning that girls and boys in conflict zones continue to suffer grave abuses. The appeal, made on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, emphasized the need for survivor-centred protection, access to justice and stronger prevention mechanisms. (un.org)
Joint UN-EU statement and senior officials’ remarks
The statement was delivered jointly by the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, and senior EU human rights officials, underscoring a renewed partnership to confront sexual violence used as a weapon of war. It condemned the continued use of rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage and trafficking against children and adults in conflict settings. (en.wikipedia.org)
Both organisations highlighted that such crimes are often deployed deliberately as tactics of warfare, repression or terror and leave lasting physical, psychological and social harm on survivors and entire communities. The joint message stressed that fear and stigma drive many survivors into silence, while perpetrators frequently evade accountability. (un.org)
Documented rise in cases and regional spread
Recent UN reporting points to a sharp increase in documented conflict-related sexual violence worldwide, with tens of thousands of cases recorded in recent years and marked spikes reported across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and other regions. The Special Representative warned that rising insecurity, displacement and depleted survivor services have exacerbated the crisis. (ungeneva.org)
UN monitors and partner agencies note that the uptick includes widespread reports of sexual violence targeting children, including abduction, sexual exploitation and forced or early marriage. These abuses undermine education, development and community resilience, creating intergenerational harm. (ungeneva.org)
Survivor-centred approach and child protection measures
The UN and EU called for a comprehensive, trauma-informed response that places survivors — including children — at the centre of prevention and recovery efforts. They urged strengthening child protection systems, expanding medical and psychosocial support, and removing barriers that prevent survivors from reporting crimes. (un.org)
The joint text emphasised that justice must be accessible and appropriate for children, including age-sensitive procedures, reparations and safeguards during legal processes. It also stressed the importance of addressing stigma and providing long-term support for reintegration and education. (un.org)
Cooperation on information-sharing and capacity building
The statement disclosed ongoing UN–EU cooperation on a joint project to enhance global information-sharing and build capacity among national authorities and frontline responders. The programme aims to improve documentation, coordination and accountability, while supporting humanitarian and development efforts that protect children. (un.org)
Officials said the initiative will back national institutions, civil society groups and field workers to better detect, report and respond to conflict-related sexual violence, and to strengthen legal frameworks and accountability mechanisms. The partnership is framed as part of a broader push to close gaps that allow such crimes to persist. (eeas.europa.eu)
Accountability, legal obligations and international appeals
The UN and EU reminded states and parties to conflict of their obligations under international law to protect children from sexual violence and to hold perpetrators to account. The joint appeal urged all UN member states, conflict parties and the international community to honour commitments to prevention, protection and justice. (un.org)
They also called for sustained political will, increased resources and improved coordination between humanitarian, development and justice actors to ensure that measures translate into tangible protections for affected children and their families. The message underlined that legal frameworks and enforcement are essential to end impunity. (eeas.europa.eu)
The United Nations and European Union reaffirmed their partnership and pledged continued support to frontline responders, national authorities and civil society organisations working to prevent and respond to sexual violence in conflict. They urged immediate steps to expand survivor services, improve documentation and accelerate accountability efforts to protect vulnerable children and break cycles of abuse.
