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"When one was finished the next would start." A victim of rape in DRC. [Photo: IRIN]
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"First, the women were raped in front of their children, their husbands and neighbors. Second, the rapes were done by many men at the same time. Third, not only were the women raped, but their vaginas were mutilated with guns and sticks. These situations show that sex was being used as a weapon that is cheap."
— Denis Mukwege, founder of Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
In nearly every humanitarian emergency, in nearly every war, a spectrum of brutality is visited disproportionately upon women and girls. Recent statistics show how pervasive the phenomenon is – whether in Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Balkans, Darfur, Nepal, or elsewhere.
Often called "one of history’s great silences," sexual violence has lately drawn increased attention – and outrage – around the globe, as a growing number of organizations and individuals seek to change the situation and to bring an end to the culture of impunity that enables these crimes.
This past February, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict, a global campaign of advocacy and action supported by 12 UN entities.
"On my visits to conflict-torn areas around the world, I have spoken with women who have endured horrific forms of violence," said the Secretary-General in his opening remarks. "I will forever be haunted by their suffering – but equally, I will always be inspired by their courage. These mothers, sisters, daughters and friends are determined to reclaim their lives."
As part of UN Action, OCHA is dedicated to the cause of eliminating this horror, and to assisting its victims.
[Read more: A Framework for Prevention and Response - Operationalizing Advocacy - Healing the Wounds of War]
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| Bijago Archipelago, Guinea Bissau: Children at Eva Orango school eat food provided by WFP [Photo: IRIN] |
The recent spike in food prices represents an unprecedented challenge affecting millions of people worldwide - particularly the most vulnerable, including the urban poor.
This complex scenario, stemming from a variety of causes, demands a coordinated response by the UN family, along with partner organizations. Together they can mobilize emergency relief, support national agricultural capacity, and assist governments on trade and economic policies.
On 29 April 2008, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the creation of a High Level Task Force on the global food crisis. Its primary aim is to coordinate the efforts of the United Nations system in addressing the crisis in all aspects. USG John Holmes was appointed Coordinator of the Task Force.
The High-Level Conference on Food Security, held 3-5 June in Rome, examined the impact of soaring food prices and the challenges of climate change and energy security.
[Read more: Overview - Latest Updates]
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