UN Special Representative Works to Combat Rape in Conflict Situations
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Although her position does not officially begin until April, recently appointed UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Margot Wallstrom has already begun visiting conflict zones around the world. Wallstrom intends to combat the use of rape as a weapon in conflict situations by ending impunity for rape perpetrators and changing societal attitudes towards women.
Wallstrom’s visits will primarily be to Africa, beginning with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Chad. Women in the DRC are still suffering the consequences of a war that technically ended in 2003. Rape remains a common occurrence for women living in the refugee camps along Chad's border with the Darfur region of Sudan. Wallstrom also plans to visit the makeshift camps created in Haiti after January’s earthquake.
Compiled from: James Kilner, First UN Envoy for Sexual Violence in War Says Rape Must Stop, Reuters AlertNet (17 March 2010).
For More Information
Please see the Sexual Assault During Armed Conflict section of this Website, and the following What's New item: UN Secretary-General Appoints Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict (24 Feburary 2010).
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