Day to Counter Conflict-Related Sexual Violence: Information Campaign Launches in Ukraine

Today, June 19, Ukraine and the world observe the annual International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict (CRSV). On this day, UN Security Council Resolution 1820 was adopted — a historic document that first officially recognized CRSV as a threat to international peace and security, a deliberate weapon used to intimidate, humiliate or destroy populations.

This year, Ukraine chairs the Global Alliance for Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI Alliance). Alliance members have initiated an awareness campaign to draw attention to the issue of sexual violence in war and conflict settings, strengthen international support for survivors, and mobilize global efforts to achieve justice.

"This is not just an awareness campaign, but a global voice in support of those who have survived sexual violence during wars and conflicts worldwide. It is part of the Alliance's collective efforts to restore justice and provide assistance to those who need it most. Our goal is to strengthen international efforts to prevent the silencing of crimes, to hear and consider survivors' voices. Such crimes often remain 'quiet' — and this is exactly what the russian federation seeks. That's why advocacy must be systematic," said Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration – Minister of Justice of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna.

A key element of the campaign is the rapeseed flower — a symbol of solidarity with CRSV survivors. This symbol was first introduced in Ukraine in 2023 at a meeting of the Interagency Working Group on Countering Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in russia's war against Ukraine. The rapeseed flower can grow even in the most difficult conditions, embodying the strength of survivors and their ability to recover. As part of the campaign, Ukraine calls on partners to use this symbol in their communications as a show of solidarity with those whose experiences must not be forgotten.

"We are working to establish effective mechanisms of social support for people who have suffered from sexual violence caused by russian aggression against Ukraine," said Minister of Social Policy Oksana Zholnovych.

In particular, among the tasks of the Ministry of Social Policy are developing protocols for interaction between service providers and preparing standards for survivor assistance. It should be emphasized that a person who has suffered from conflict-related sexual violence in the context of russia's armed aggression against Ukraine has the right to:

• emergency financial assistance;
• free rehabilitation regardless of place of residence and based on needs for physical and psychological recovery and restoration of social functions;
• receive information about their rights and how to exercise them.

Survivors of conflict-related sexual violence are guaranteed the right to respect for their honor and dignity, humane treatment, restoration of violated rights, free social services and legal aid, and access to temporary shelter.

Key hashtags for sharing campaign materials: #OneVoiceAgainstCRSV, as well as Ukrainian chairmanship hashtags #PSVI2025UA, #UA_PSVI_LEADERSHIP.