Angelina Jolie co-hosts London summit vs sexual violence in conflict

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Angelina Jolie, special envoy for the UN Commissioner for Refugees, will join British Foreign Secretary William Hague and delegations from over 100 countries in a summit that aims to put an end to sexual violence in conflict-affected areas.

During the 4-day Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict in London which starts on Tuesday, June 10, Jolie will meet with representatives from various sectors to discuss ways to put an end to using rape as a tool of war.  

A Filipino delegation composed of key figures in the peace process in Mindanao will participate in the summit. 

To raise awareness, the #TimeToAct campaign released a video animation featuring child-like drawings “to illustrate the awful reality that many children, women and men face in conflict zones,” the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office said. 

The narration of the video goes: 

“There is a weapon that doesn’t just leave physical wounds, it leaves emotional wounds, a weapon of power, violence and control; a weapon that is just as crazy as bombs and bullets but invisible – rape. “

“Rape and sexual violence are used against women, girls, men and boys. Victims are sometimes abandoned by their families and the anger and shame left behind can tear communities apart and make wars last longer, Especially when the monsters who do it are allowed to get away with it, even live near their victims.”

The video – entitled Don’t believe the thumbnail, this video is the stuff of nightmares – was produced with Don’t Panic, the creative team behind the Most Shocking Second a Day for the Save the Children Syria and illustrator and animator Andy Baker.  

Watch it here: 

The summit brings together governments that have endorsed the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, as well as donors, the UN, NGOs and civil society in one venue.

How grave is the problem of sexual violence in conflict-affected areas around the world?

UN figures show that between 100,000 and 250,000 women were raped during the 3 months of genocide in 1994 in Rwanda. That’s not all – more than 60,000 women were raped during the civil war in Sierra Leone (1991-2002), more than 40,000 in Liberia (1989-2003), up to 60,000 in the former Yugoslavia (1992-1995), and at least 200,000 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 1998.

By putting the grim reality of sexual violence in conflict on the spotlight, the gathering hopes achieve the following:  

• improve documentation and investigation of sexual violence in conflict 
• provide greater support and assistance for survivors, including child survivors
• ensure sexual and gender-based violence responses and the promotion of gender equality are fully integrated in all peace and security efforts
• improve international coordination 

The summit will include workshops, interviews with key personalities, as well as performances and documentaries. – Angela Casauay/Rappler.com

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