The International Conference on the topic “Prevention of sexual violence in conflicts- strengthening the roles of regional security forces in peace support operations” which is organized by the B&H Ministry of Defense in cooperation with the Embassy of the UK and the Kingdom of Norway in B&H, opened today in Sarajevo in the presence of numerous officials.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Great Britain William Hague, the Special Envoy of UNHCR and the Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, B&H Minister of Foreign Affairs Zlatko Lagumdžija, Croatian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vesna Pusić and B&H Deputy Minister of Defense Marina Pendeš opened today’s conference.
Interlocutors today pointed out the problem of sexual violence in conflict situations, which is not enough just to identify as a problem but requires attitude changes and to undertake practical steps.
Hague emphasized that sexual violation is not just a side effect of the war and the inevitable consequence of the war but it is a war weapon, is cheap and easy and an efficient way to scare and torture the civilian population, and sometimes occurs before the eyes of international community.
Jolie said that sexual violence is still a taboo topic in many countries.
She pointed out that “rape is a terrible violence and it is hard to speak about it. Perpetrators chose younger or older people for the shame to be greater”. She recalled that the region went through a terrible war, and the international help for B&H arrived late, adding that solders from this region now help other countries.
Minister Pusić quoted a victim of sexual violence who testified against the perpetrator, emphasizing that she said that she can now talk about it after her family has forgiven her and that is why it is important to work on elimination of victim stigmatization.
“It is very important to emphasize that the fight against impunity and addressing this problem is the core of the elimination of this problem. Someone must be beneath dignity to be a perpetrator of such a crime”, said Pusić.
This conference aims to establish an educational program in the Center for peace operations in order that members of police and armed forces of B&H and region to be trained in preventive actions against sexual violence in conflict zones.
(Source: Fena)
