Norwegian Ambassador Ellen Svendsen delivers a joint
statement on behalf of six countries marking the 2026
International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in
Conflict.
Thank you, Mr Chair.
I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland,
Liechtenstein, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and my own country
Norway.
On 19 June we marked the International Day for the Elimination of
Sexual Violence in Conflict. We pay tribute to survivors and to
those around the world working tirelessly to prevent and respond
to conflict-related sexual violence.
Mr Chair, the global picture remains deeply concerning. Recent UN
reporting has shown a sharp rise in verified cases of
conflict-related sexual violence, marked by increasing brutality
which disproportionately affects women and girls, while
continuing to impact men and boys.
Such violence is not incidental to conflict. It is used
deliberately as a tactic of war, terror, and repression, with
devastating consequences for individuals, communities, and
long-term stability.
These trends are compounded by shrinking humanitarian access,
reduced funding for survivor services, and persistent stigma that
prevents reporting and denies justice. Escalating and protracted
conflicts continue to create conditions in which the risks of
sexual violence grow.
Mr Chair, in Ukraine, UN reporting, successive Moscow Mechanism
reports, ODIHR Interim Reports and other independent monitoring
continues to document conflict-related sexual violence linked to
Russia's ongoing aggression, including in detention settings
where it has been used as a form of torture and ill-treatment.
Survivors include women, men, and detainees subjected to serious
abuses. These cases underscore the use of sexual violence to
intimidate, punish, and extract information, and highlight the
urgent need for accountability and survivor support.
Sexual violence in conflict is a violation of international
humanitarian and human rights law, and a threat to international
peace and security. It must stop. Perpetrators must be brought to
justice. Survivors must be supported.
We emphasise the importance of a survivor-centred approach in all
prevention and response efforts. This means placing the safety,
dignity, rights and needs of survivors at the heart of action,
ensuring access to justice, protection, and essential services,
including psychosocial support.
Efforts to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual
violence should also fully address the needs of children
affected, including child survivors, children born of such
violence and those affected indirectly. Children experience
conflict-related sexual violence in distinct ways, and responses
must be child-sensitive, survivor-centred and integrated into
existing systems. Addressing their needs is essential to breaking
cycles of violence, stigma and exclusion.
Accountability is central. Without justice, there is no
deterrence. Without accountability, cycles of violence continue.
We must strengthen national and international mechanisms to
investigate and prosecute these crimes, and ensure that survivors
have access to redress and reparations.
The OSCE has a vital role to play. Its comprehensive approach to
security, its field operations, and its autonomous institutions
contribute to prevention, monitoring, and accountability efforts.
The OSCE's work on gender equality and on combating sexual and
gender-based violence in armed conflict remains essential, and
should continue to be prioritised by participating States.
Mr Chair, addressing conflict-related sexual violence must form
part of broader international efforts: to uphold the Women, Peace
and Security agenda; to tackle gender inequality and
discrimination; and to ensure the meaningful participation of
women in peace processes and decision-making at all levels.
As we mark this International Day, we reaffirm our collective
responsibility. We must act together through multilateral
cooperation to prevent these crimes, to support survivors, and to
end impunity.
