A) Objectives of the pledge:
To further the Conference theme of ‘International Humanitarian Law’, Resolution 1 of the 33rd International Conference, and recalling previous commitments to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence, including the 32nd International Conference Resolution 3, ‘Sexual and Gender-based Violence: Joint Action on Prevention and Response’ and the supporting joint pledges, we hereby pledge to step-up action to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflict and post-conflict situations.
This includes supporting all survivors, including children born of sexual violence in conflict, whether they are living in places of habitual residence or displacement/refugee contexts, and ensuring that survivors are listened to and all programming and support is survivor-centred.
The deliberate use of sexual and gender-based violence as a tactic of warfare significantly exacerbates conflict, instability, and displacement, often for generations. Sexual violence is recognized, codified and prosecuted as one of the most serious violations of International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law and International Criminal Law. Depending on the circumstances of the offence, sexual violence can constitute a war crime, crime against humanity, or an act of torture. The majority of survivors, however, never see justice for what they have endured. Where such injustices go unreported, unpunished or unaddressed, they breed a culture of impunity that perpetuates such crimes. Taking action to combat and respond to sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflict and post-conflict situations is crucial to wider conflict prevention efforts and to building peace, as well as providing equal access to security.
For the years 2020-23, we pledge to focus on four strategic areas to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in armed conflict and post-conflict situations and better support survivors. Together we will:
– Promote the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence and tackle stigma that discriminates against survivors.
– Strengthen response to SGBV in armed conflict and post-conflict situations, listen to survivors and ensure their needs, capacities and well-being are placed at the centre of all prevention and response efforts;
– Improve provision of, and access to holistic care for all survivors of sexual and gender-based violence;
– Strengthen the provision of safe, accessible, and survivor-centred reporting channels to tackle impunity.
We urge all States and National Societies to take action.
B) Action plan:
Strategic Area:
Support prevention efforts to end sexual and gender-based violence and tackle stigma that discriminates against survivors
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Actions for signatories to the Pledge |
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Promote and support efforts to prevent sexual violence and address the underlying social and cultural norms that perpetuate gender inequality and discrimination.
Explore opportunities to encourage religious and faith leaders to support efforts to tackle stigma faced by survivors, including children born of sexual violence in conflict. |
All signatories
All signatories
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Strategic Area:
Strengthening response to SGBV in armed conflict and post-conflict situations, listen to survivors and ensure their needs, capacities and well-being are placed at the centre of all prevention and response effects
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Actions for signatories to the Pledge |
For whom |
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Uphold the principle of “do no harm” as central to all programming and making reasonable efforts to ensure that support provided is survivor-centered in approach and will not exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities.
Coordinate and cooperate with Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, specifically the ICRC, IFRC, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in line with their respective mandates and roles and share experience and best practice. |
All signatories
All signatories |
Strategic Area :
Improve provision of, and access to holistic care for all survivors of sexual and gender-based violence
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Actions for signatories to the Pledge |
For whom |
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Support the supply of and access to comprehensive care, including sexual and reproductive health services, mental health and psychosocial support, access to legal services (where possible), and socio-economic recovery whilst ensuring the appropriate level of protection, security and dignity for survivors.
Take action to address discrimination, stigma and secondary harm faced by survivors, which act as an obstacle to safe and dignified access to services.
Support women-led organisations providing services and access to care for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as promoting prevention of and recovery from violence. |
All signatories
All signatories
All signatories |
Strategic area:
Provide safe, accessible, and survivor-centred reporting channels to tackle impunity
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Actions for signatories to the Pledge |
For whom |
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Encourage the implementation of best practice in response to SGBV in armed conflict and post-conflict situations, and when interacting with survivors, including for documentary and reporting purposes, e.g. through the adoption of best-practice guidelines.
Identify legal, procedural or practice-related solutions which promote fully informed voluntary reporting and judicial procedures that promote the safety, privacy and dignity of survivors. These solutions should be informed by survivors and should be gender-sensitive, trauma-informed and protect against re-victimsation.
Pledge support for the development of the Murad Code on documenting conflict-related sexual violence, a survivor-centric set of minimum standards for documenting sexual violence for judicial purposes. |
All signatories
All signatories
All signatories |
C) Indicators for measuring progress:
– Evidence of measures to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence within emergency, humanitarian and disaster response plans, activities and services. Including steps taken to ensure continuity of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) prevention and response services during an armed conflict or post-conflict situations.
– Improvements made to integrate the issue of sexual and gender-based violence (including existing provisions in International Humanitarian Law which prohibit sexual violence in armed conflict) into instruction programmes and/or codes of conduct for legislators, prosecutors, the judiciary, and/or armed and security forces and detaining authorities and the number of trainings initiated or improved on the same.
– Number of National Societies with at least one named focal point for combating and responding to sexual and gender-based violence.
– Evidence of meaningful consultation with survivor networks and advocacy groups representing or working with survivors, which is documented, tracked and implemented throughout policy-creation and programming processes.
D) Resource implications:
– Named organisational focal point.
– Adequate resources to mainstream and integrate SGBV prevention and response activities into our responses to conflict and other emergencies.
