Action on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict is strengthened as new Special Envoy Appointed

• newly appointed Special Envoy will drive action to end the use of rape as a weapon of war
• up to 30% of women and girls living in conflict zones face sexual violence
• appointment comes after launch of UK-led international coalition to end violence against women and girls

Britain will continue to drive international action to prevent sexual violence in conflict, following the appointment of the Minister for Human Rights, Chris Elmore as the UK Special Envoy for Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. 

Up to 30% of women and girls in conflict zones worldwide have experienced conflict-related sexual violence, which is not only a grave human rights violation, but a threat to global peace, security and prosperity. There are immense barriers to reporting, particularly in conflict zones, therefore these figures could be much higher in reality. 

Men and boys are also affected, notably in Ukraine, where over two thirds of prisoners of war have experienced sexual violence, and in Palestine, where UN reporting has documented the use of sexual violence in detention settings. 

In the UK’s capacity as Vice-Chair of the International Alliance for Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict this year, Minister Elmore will play a leading role in strengthening global advocacy and in advancing trauma-informed, survivor-centred approaches across the Alliance’s prevention, protection and accountability efforts.  

Minister Elmore’s appointment into the Special Envoy role follows the Foreign Secretary’s launch of a new UK-convened International Coalition to End Violence against Women and Girls. The coalition is bringing countries together to scale up prevention and end this violence everywhere. 

The UK Special Envoy on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, Chris Elmore MP said

“Conflict-related sexual violence is a grave human rights violation and a global threat to peace and security. I commit to working with survivors, international partners and civil society around the world to drive action to end these abhorrent crimes and hold perpetrators to account.” 

Notes to editors 

 
The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict seeks to recognise conflict-related sexual violence as a threat to international peace and security – and a potential war crime, crime against humanity, or an underlying act of genocide. For survivors, this day can act as an important moment of global recognition, challenging the stigma that too often silences those with lived experience of this issue, reaffirming their right to be heard and to access justice and support.