Sexual Violence – Prevention

• Implement initiatives to encourage political leaders, policy-makers and decision-takers at the national and local levels, including traditional leaders and religious leaders, to play a more active role in sensitizing communities to sexual violence in order to avoid marginalization and stigmatization of victims, to assist with their social reintegration and to combat a culture of impunity for these crimes.
• Conduct training for State armed forces and other weapon bearers on the categorical prohibition of all forms of sexual violence in all circumstances, and adopt a zero-tolerance policy on the issue.
• Conduct pre-deployment and in-theatre training on sexual violence for State armed forces and other weapon bearers, with particular focus on risk reduction and protection measures.
• Ensure full accountability of State armed forces and other weapon bearers, including their superiors, in all cases of sexual violence involving their personnel.
• Issue clear orders prohibiting all forms of sexual violence, and integrate such prohibitions in relevant doctrine (codes of conduct, military field manuals, standardized rules of engagement, and standard operating procedures for detention operations).
• Enforce appropriate disciplinary measures and reporting requirements in relation to all incidents of sexual violence in armed conflicts and other emergencies.

Action plan