Event

SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT – STRENGTHENING THE FIGHT AGAINST IMPUNITY

Roundtable and workshops, Geneva, 18 and 19 June 2018

 

To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict and the organization’s 15th anniversary, TRIAL International is organizing a two-day event to support the reinforcement of the fight against impunity for these crimes.

A roundtable composed of international experts, open to the public, will mark the kick-off of the event on 18 June at 18.15 at Palais de l’Athénée. On 19 June, workshops for civil society actors will take place, with the aim of reinforcing collaboration in the fight against impunity for conflict-related sexual violence. Organizations such as Physicians for Human Rights, REDRESS, eyewitness, We are not Weapons of War, the Institute for International Criminal Investigations, as well as the Swiss Section of Amnesty International will be, among others, participating in the workshops.

 

Context

Although progress has been made in recent years, the fight against impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence can and must be made more effective. Improved coordination among all actors is essential when it comes to documenting crimes, conducting investigations, designing legal strategies, training lawyers and judges, or ensuring the security of victims and witnesses.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the landmark Kavumu ruling, which led to the conviction on 13 December 2017 of 11 militia members, was achieved thanks to the collaboration between TRIAL International and other organisations such as Physicians for Human Rights.

Drawing on this experience, TRIAL International wishes to promote the sharing of skills and expertise among civil society actors, with the objective of developing tools that will contribute to a more effective fight against impunity for conflict-related sexual violence.

 

Support

The event is supported, among others, by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, the City of Geneva, the Cottier Donze Foundation, the Barbour Foundation, the Geneva Bar Association LALIVE and a private foundation in Geneva.

In order to make this event possible, we are still in need of financial support. Help us to give a voice to victims of sexual violence and to strengthen the fight against impunity.

 

FOR DONATIONS

CCP: 17-162954-3
IBAN: CH85 0900 0000 1716 2954 3
Mention: Trial@15

 

For more information, contact us at s.jeker@trialinternational.org
or by telephone at +41 22 321 61 10.

 

Event partner

Fondation Hirondelle