Brussels, 16/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - During a summit on sexual violence in conflict areas, which took place in London, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton recalled, on Thursday 12 June, the EU's action against this.
Ashton stated that the EU and its member states were working inter alia with the United Nations and the African Union on sexual violence. The EU supports systematic inclusion of the prevention of sexual violence in every UN mandate. It finances activities to support victims of sexual violence and to prevent crimes at national, regional and international levels.
EU action is based on three pillars. The first is to secure universal recognition. “We need to highlight the seriousness of the extent of this problem. And that means changing attitudes and perceptions which are often deep rooted”, Ashton stated, saying that the EU systematically integrates human rights and gender considerations into every crisis management operation that the EU launches. The second pillar concerns access to justice and the responsibility of authorities to ensure the law is respected. In Ashton's view, “without the right laws and the willingness of countries to implement them, impunity will continue”. Lastly, the third pillar focuses on the participation of women in mediation, in conflict prevention and in peace building - participation that Ashton described as “vital”. (CG)