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:
- Responding to and supporting the needs of victims of sexual violence, while placing their well- being at the centre of every response;
- Providing victims of sexual violence with redress, including access to health care, psychosocial support and appropriate level of protection;
- Adopting a zero tolerance towards sexual violence, by whomever it is committed, and ensuring its absolute prohibition;
- Implementing an effective sanctions regime, with a truly deterrent capacity;
- Raising awareness to change attitudes and behaviours that condone sexual violence or discriminate against its victims; and
- Continuing to discuss such issues at Commonwealth events.
Action plan
Pledge data
Pledge by Australia and Australian Red Cross
Number: OP320027
Country: Australia, Liberia, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom
Themes: Sexual violence
Institution: Government, National Society
Pledge type: Open
Signatories
Antigua & Barbuda Red Cross Society- Michael Joseph (President)
Rwanda
Sri Lanka
British Red Cross
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Liberian Red Cross Society
The Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society