On June 19, Ukraine joins the rest of the world in marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. This date was established by the UN General Assembly to draw attention to one of the most heinous war crimes, support survivors, and remind the world of the need for justice and accountability.
It was on this day in 2008 that the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1820, which for the first time recognized sexual violence as a tactic of war and a threat to peace and security.
Sexual violence associated with armed conflict encompasses not only rape but also other serious crimes: sexual slavery, forced pregnancy, forced marriage, human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, and other forms of violence. Women, men, girls, and boys can all become victims.
Such crimes inflict profound physical, psychological, and social trauma not only on individuals but also on entire communities, leaving lasting consequences for many years to come.
This day serves as a reminder of the importance of human dignity even in the darkest of times. International humanitarian law prohibits sexual violence under any circumstances, and those responsible must be held accountable. At the same time, it is equally important to ensure that survivors have access to medical, psychological, and legal assistance, to support them, to combat stigma, and to create an environment where every person knows that their pain will be heard and their rights protected.
It is important that the issue of supporting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence remains a priority for the international community and the Ukrainian government. On June 17, 2026, during the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Methodological Recommendations on the Effective Representation of the Interests of Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Ukraine were presented.
During the event, Kateryna Levchenko, the Government Commissioner for Gender Policy, emphasized the importance of accessible, needs-based, and free legal aid as one of the key elements in restoring justice and protecting human rights.