On June 19, 2008 the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 1820, which states that there should be an “immediate and complete cessation by all parties to armed conflict of all acts of sexual violence against civilians.” Following the adoption of the resolution, the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) called for increased attention to and implementation of steps to prevent sexual violence during and after conflict. UNIFEM urged the European Union to take practical steps to end this occurrence and to prosecute those who commit such crimes. UNIFEM warned about the danger of viewing sexual violence as a "natural" by-product of war. UNIFEM also urged EU States to move from word to action. To read full article, click here.
Compiled from: “UN Urges European Union to End Violence against Women in Conflict Zones,”United Nations News Centre, 10 October 2008.