''Historic Step Forward'' in Fight to End Rape in Conflict

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Goma (© 2009 CARE)

"This resolution is a significant step toward halting violence against women and girls globally," said Dr. Helene Gayle, president and CEO of CARE. "We applaud U.S. leadership in the U.N. Security Council on this issue and hope that the resolution leads to meaningful action to prevent and respond to sexual violence."

Resolution 1888 calls for the immediate appointment of a new high-level Special Representative for conflict-related sexual violence, which will strengthen U.N. leadership and global efforts to put an end to this weapon of war. It also recognizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to addressing sexual violence – including increasing access to health care, psychosocial support and legal assistance for survivors of such violence, and working to help communities overcome the social stigma of rape.

CARE and other agencies working in countries affected by conflict have been calling on the international community to live up to the numerous international commitments made over the years to protect and empower women during and after conflict, including addressing the underlying causes of gender-based violence. However, much of the rhetoric has not translated into real action.

"CARE works in collaboration with communities, governments, and local organizations in many countries around the world to prevent and address gender-based violence. CARE takes a multi-pronged approach that addresses the underlying causes of gender-based violence, such as improving legal, health and support services for survivors; empowering women and girls; and working with men and boys," said Janet Meyers, CARE's senior technical adviser for sexual and reproductive health in emergencies.

"These types of programs take time, but they are investments that will reap huge benefits – not only in preventing the trauma suffered by survivors of violence but also the ills that result from it, including the ostracism of women by their husbands, the breakdown of families and communities, and the spread of HIV," said Meyers.

The challenge now is to ensure that governments, donors, U.N. agencies and other actors act immediately to implement the provisions of this landmark resolution. It is a critical opportunity for Washington to maintain its leadership to galvanize international action for the benefit of millions of women and girls around the world – and CARE is so pleased that Secretary of State Clinton has elevated the issue of sexual and gender-based violence to such a high level, starting with her first trip to Africa as secretary of state in August.

UNSC Resolution 1888 also calls for:

• The U.N. secretary-general to submit proposals within three months for better prevention of sexual violence.
• The U.N. secretary-general to identify staff to serve as women's protection advisors as needed at field level.
• The U.N. secretary-general to develop a team of experts to work with national authorities to strengthen rule of law (mediation, criminal investigation, witness protection, fair trial standards, public outreach, etc.).
• The encouragement of states, "with the support of the international community, to increase access to health care, psychosocial support, legal assistance and socio-economic reintegration services for victims of sexual violence, in particular in rural areas."
• The U.N. secretary-general to ensure technical support (training, guidelines, doctrine) to military and peacekeeping personnel.
• The laying of groundwork for U.N. architecture aimed at ending impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict.

About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE places special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. In 66 countries, women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve education, health and economic opportunity.

Media contacts:

• Kate Hunt, United Nations Representative, CARE International, (917) 332-8115
• Milkah Kihunah, Policy and Advocacy, CARE USA, (202) 595-2825