Resolution on Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict

The Forum of Participation of NGOs, meeting on 10-12 November 2007, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo,

Considering the generalised practice of sexual violence against women, men, and children;

Noting with great concern, in numerous conflicts, the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war;

Considering that women are the principal victims of sexual violence;

Considering the extent of physical and psychological trauma suffered by victims of sexual violence and the consequences on achieving sustainable peace;

Considering that providing support to victims must be reinforced as a priority;

Noting with great concern the prevailing impunity for the perpetrators of crimes of sexual violence and emphasising that a culture of impunity encourages the commission of such crimes;

Considering the legal and practical obstacles, in numerous countries, for victims of crimes of sexual violence to seek justice and claim their rights to truth, justice and reparation;

Recalling the provisions of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa;

Recalling the provisions of the Statute of the International Criminal Court defining crimes of sexual violence as war crimes and crimes against humanity and as constitutive elements of genocide;

Recalling the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security;

Recalling the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention on the protection of civilians in time of war;

The NGO Forum requests the ACHPR to adopt a resolution:

1. Condemning the practice of sexual violence;
2. Requesting States Parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to:

a. Identify the causes and consequences of sexual violence and to take all necessary measures to prevent and eradicate it;
b. Criminalise all forms of sexual violence, ensure that the perpetrators of such crimes are held accountable by the relevant justice system and implement victims’ rights to truth, justice and reparation;
c. Ensure that security and military forces receive adequate training on the principles of international humanitarian law, women’s rights and the children’s rights;
d. Ensure that victims have access to medical assistance and psychological support;
e. Develop campaigns to raise public awareness on victims’ rights and seeking effective remedies;
f. Ratify and implement the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women;
g. Ratify the Statute of the International Criminal Court and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on Establishing an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Done in Brazzaville, November 12th, 2007