Participation of the PABSEC International Secretariat to virtual event, organized by the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (OSRSG-SVC) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), 18 June 2021
Mr. Fuat Kucukaydin, PABSEC Deputy Secretary General, attended the virtual signing of the Framework of Cooperation between the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (OSRSG-SVC) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), on 18 June 2021.
The Framework of Cooperation aims to promote the engagement of the parliamentarians in addressing conflict-related sexual violence. Areas of cooperation include raising awareness of member national parliaments on the importance of empowering survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and other crimes through comprehensive legislation in line with international norms and standards, as well as providing technical assistance to member national parliaments in drafting new domestic legislation and/or reviewing legal provisions and rules of procedure with the aim of overcoming all obstacles in ensuring accountability for conflict-related sexual violence.
During the virtual event, the OSRSG-SVC launched a Model Legislative Provisions and Guidance on the Investigation and Prosecution on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, a new tool to assist states seeking to enact laws on conflict-related sexual violence.
The OSRSG-SVC nominated Mr. Martin Chungong, the IPU Secretary General as a ‘Global Champion for the Fight Against Sexual Violence in Conflict’ in recognition of his important work in the promotion of gender equality, human rights, dialogue and conflict resolution as well as his unwavering commitment to supporting the mandate of the OSRSG-SVC through the Framework of Cooperation.
During the event, the participants pointed out that the conflict-related sexual violence, continues to be a serious crime that can have lasting, harmful effects on victims and their families. Yet, in many countries, national legislation fails to provide a comprehensive legal framework that recognizes all forms of sexual violence as crimes and protects all individuals who may fall victim.
In conclusion, the participants underlined that the national parliaments could play a critical role in shaping prevention and response efforts to conflict-related sexual violence through legislation, oversight processes, budget allocation and advocacy.
The event was attended by representatives of Inter-Parliamentary Union, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the UN Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict.