Press release

113 countries pledge action to end sexual violence in conflict #timetoact

Foreign Secretary: "This is a milestone towards shattering impunity for those who commit horrific sexual crimes during times of war."

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon William Hague
• Published: 24 September 2013

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Foreign Secretary William Hague with Angelina Jolie, 29 May 2012.

Today, at an event in New York hosted by Foreign Secretary William Hague and UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zainab Bangura, 113 countries endorsed a historic new ‘Declaration of Commitment to end Sexual Violence in Conflict’ #timetoact.

Countries will be able to continue to add their endorsement to the Declaration until October 4th.

The Declaration contains a set of practical and political commitments to end the use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war, which terrorises and destroys communities during conflict. The Declaration sends an important message to the victims of these crimes that the international community has not forgotten them, and to the perpetrators of rape that they will be held to account.

Foreign Secretary, William Hague, said:

I am delighted that so many countries have supported this Declaration: a clear majority of the members of the United Nations. This is a milestone towards shattering impunity for those who commit horrific sexual crimes during times of war.

Next year the UK will host a major conference to increase international momentum around this issue. The conference will bring together governments with representatives from civil society, judiciaries and militaries from around the world.

Addressing the event by video link, UNHCR Special Envoy for Refugees Angelina Jolie said:

This Declaration, endorsed by so many countries, marks a true global change in attitudes to warzone rape and sexual violence. It is the clearest statement we have heard, ever, that the international community must and will confront these crimes.

A Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict

PDF, 254 KB, 3 pages

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Read the Declaration in Italian (PDF, 488 KB, 3 pages)

Further information

Read More: Speeches by the Foreign Secretary William Hague and the UN SRSG Zainab Bangura, and a transcript of the video message sent by UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie

Supporting countries: Full list of the countries who endorse the Declaration

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Published 24 September 2013