Sexual violence must never be used as a weapon of war
15 August 2025Conflict-related sexual violence surged 25% in 2024. Survivors face trauma, stigma and injustice. Plan International demands immediate action to protect survivors, end impunity and stop these horrific war crimes.
The new annual United Nations report on conflict-related sexual violence released on Thursday 14 August finds that sexual violence in conflict zones rose sharply in 2024. Commenting on the disturbing findings, Plan International’s Chief Executive Officer, Reena Ghelani says:
“These findings are deeply distressing – the UN report has found a staggering 25% increase in sexual violence in conflict zones from the previous year. Over 92% of the victims were girls and women.
“War crimes such as rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage and enforced sterilisation are among the most heinous crimes that can be committed in conflict against civilians – violating basic human rights and international humanitarian law.
Sexual violence survivors face physical and mental trauma
“The report has looked at over 21 countries and found victims aged between 1 and 75 years old. Some of the attacks have resulted in executions. For survivors, they are not only left with great physical and mental trauma, but they also often face enormous social stigma.
“In Sudan, we have heard harrowing reports of sexual violence against girls, women, boys and men. Limited access for independent fact-finding missions makes it difficult to determine the full scale of these crimes. This also means that survivors have less chances to access justice and demand accountability for those responsible.
“Girls and women living through conflict and crisis are among the most vulnerable people in the world. We have a moral and legal duty to do everything in our power to protect them.”
Plan International’s Chief Executive Officer, Reena Ghelani
“As there is too little accountability for these crimes and strong social stigma, many cases likely go unreported. Those we know about are likely only the tip of a much larger and deeper iceberg.
“This grim truth cannot be ignored. Plan International is fully aware of the reports of sexual violence in the countries addressed in this report – we are actively working in many of these locations including Sudan, Ethiopia, Ukraine and Haiti to support survivors.
Decline in aid funding limits response
“However, the decline in overseas aid funding is severely limiting the scale of response globally. Lifesaving and sustaining needs remain dramatically unaddressed. People continue suffering, with unresolved traumas that all too often get passed onto future generations of those affected. Investment into health services is urgently needed.
“Healthcare facilities and workers must be protected in conflict zones worldwide to ensure survivors of sexual violence can access the care they urgently need. Upholding and enforcing international humanitarian law is never negotiable. Human life and dignity must always be respected – without exceptions.
“The UN has identified 63 state and non-state actors who are responsible – these parties need to be thoroughly investigated and those found guilty, held to justice.
“Regarding the parties listed by the UN as ‘on notice’ for their next report which include Russian and Israeli armed forces – we strongly back the UN’s demand that all acts of sexual violence cease immediately and welcome further investigations into these horrific allegations.
“Girls and women living through conflict and crisis are among the most vulnerable people in the world. We have a moral and legal duty to do everything in our power to protect them. Sexual violence must never be used as a weapon of war.”
Categories: Emergencies, Protection from violence
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