The International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21st, holds significant meaning for Ukrainians in 2022 due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. This day, established by the United Nations, aims to strengthen the ideals of peace among nations and peoples. However, millions of civilians in Ukraine are suffering as a result of the war, with many unable to return home and lacking access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare. The conflict has led to a massive displacement of people, with over 6.9 million internally displaced within Ukraine. The shelling and bombing of civilian infrastructure, including schools and residential areas, have caused numerous casualties and the destruction of towns and villages.
The war in Ukraine has also highlighted gender inequities and gender-based violence, with reports of violations of international humanitarian law and acts of sexual violence related to the conflict. The Women, Peace, and Security Initiative, established by the PROTECT Programme, aims to address these challenges. Women and girls, as well as men and boys, are facing the threat of rape as a weapon of war, emphasising the importance of international law and protocols in preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence.
In 2020, the Ukrainian Government adopted its second National Action Plan (NAP 1325) in line with the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. However, the ongoing war has necessitated amendments to the plan to address new challenges, including combating conflict-related sexual violence. The PROTECT Programme's Women, Peace, and Security Initiative focuses on strengthening the legal framework for identifying and documenting such violence and improving the response of the security and defence ctors. The initiative aims to raise awareness, enhance coordination, and build capacity to investigate and address conflict-related sexual violence.
The UN Special Representative on conflict-related sexual violence, Pramila Patten, emphasised the need for documenting and investigating all crimes committed to ensure justice and accountability. Additionally, a Framework of Cooperation (FoC) was signed between the Government of Ukraine and the United Nations to prevent and respond to conflict-related sexual violence. The FoC focuses on monitoring and reporting on such crimes, strengthening service provision, establishing referral pathways, ensuring accountability, and developing national policies and programmes.
The International Day of Peace serves as a reminder that atrocity crimes, including sexual violence in conflict, are still prevalent. Communities around the world observe this day in various ways, often including a one-minute silence at noon. This year, the global minute of silence on the International Day of Peace will also honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in Ukraine since the invasion.
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