IASC Statement of Commitment: Action to address Gender-based Violence in Emergencies, 2004

Sexual violence is being systematically and rampantly used in conflict situations as a method of war to brutalize and instilinstill fear in the civilian population, especially women and girls. The individual and collective responsibility to respect the highest standards of the law and to fully comply with the UN Secretary-General’s Bulletin on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (ST/SGB/2003/13) must be re-emphasized. The IASC commits to urgent and concerted action aimed at preventing gender-based violence, in particular sexual violence, ensuring appropriate care and follow up for victims/survivors are accessible and working towards holding perpetrators accountable.