IHL and Our Response to Humanitarian Needs: A Commonwealth Perspective: Joint pledge on sexual violence, particularly in armed conflict

4th COMMONWEALTH RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT CONFERENCE ON INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW

IHL and Our Response to Humanitarian Needs: A Commonwealth Perspective

20 to 23 July 2015
Canberra, Australia

Joint Pledge on Sexual Violence, particularly in Armed Conflict

We, Governments and National Societies of the Commonwealth, commit to respect and implement our obligations under International Law and to prevent and respond to acts of sexual violence, particularly in armed conflict by:

1. Responding to and supporting the needs of victims of sexual violence, while placing their well- being at the centre of every response;
2. Providing victims of sexual violence with redress, including access to health care, psychosocial support and appropriate level of protection;
3. Adopting a zero tolerance towards sexual violence, by whomever it is committed, and ensuring its absolute prohibition;
4. Implementing an effective sanctions regime, with a truly deterrent capacity;
5. Raising awareness to change attitudes and behaviours that condone sexual violence or discriminate against its victims; and
6. Continuing to discuss such issues at Commonwealth events.