Botswana Youth debate Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative
Naledi Senior School students participated in a Model United Nations summit on the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative.
Naledi student at the podium
On 11 June, Naledi Senior School students participated in a Model United Nations summit on the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict jointly organized by the British High Commission. The event was part of the global summit on Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict in London on 10 – 13 June 2014, hosted by British Foreign Secretary William Hague and UN Special Envoy Angelina Jolie.
36 Batswana students, representing 18 different countries, debated in a Model UN simulation the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative and elaborated on a statement of action that is due to be endorsed at the global PSVI summit taking place in London. Deputy British High Commissioner to Botswana, Oliver Richards, said: “For the UK, preventing sexual violence in conflict is one of our key priorities. The Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative seeks to change mentalities and misconceptions connected to sexual violence by supporting survivors, bringing perpetrators to justice and providing support for the restoration of communities.”
The Summit in London will be the largest international gathering ever held on the issue of Sexual Violence in Conflict. All 144 States who have endorsed the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict have been invited at Ministerial level. Over 1,200 delegates, including government officials, international organisation representatives, and a broad range of domestic and international experts are expected to attend.
The statement by the youth calls upon all UN member states to strongly condemn any act of sexual violence in conflict situations; to end impunity so that perpetrators shall not escape from the hands of justice; to provide expertise in the investigating, documenting and prosecution of acts of sexual violence; to mobilize funds to provide various services for the victims of sexual violence; to make concerted efforts to educate the victims of sexual violence on their rights and the available legal remedies open to them; to integrate education efforts for security personnel to be able to respond to gender based violence and the promotion of gender equality.