Salazar and Meng Introduce Resolution Recognizing the Role of the U.S. in Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict
WASHINGTON, DC – Following the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on June 19th, U.S. Reps. Maria Salazar (FL-27) and Grace Meng (NY-06), introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives reaffirming the role of the United States in eliminating sexual violence in conflict.
Throughout history, sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war. In 2023, women and girls accounted for 95% of the reported cases of conflict-related sexual violence, enduring rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilization, and forced marriage. Sexual violence is considered a war crime, a crime against humanity, and an act of genocide and torture under international law. Despite this, it continues around the world with little accountability for its perpetrators.
The resolution aims to underscore the need for the United States to continue to play a leading role in addressing conflict-related sexual violence and strengthening legal reforms and justice for all survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. It also seeks to recognize the need for all peace agreements to address conflict-related sexual violence and calls on the United States to ensure mechanisms to hold perpetrators of sexual violence accountable are included in peacebuilding resolutions. The resolution further emphasizes the importance of women’s meaningful participation in peace processes, as outlined in the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017. Additionally, the resolution would uplift and recognize the survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, and those working to support them, to ensure they are not forgotten.
"Rape should never be a weapon of war. It is an act of evil, used by tyrants and terrorists to break the human spirit," said Congresswoman Salazar. As the world’s leading democracy, the United States will stand with the survivors, punish the perpetrators, and demand justice. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Meng in this bipartisan effort to make clear that we will defend human dignity, and sexual violence in conflict will not be ignored, excused, or forgotten.”
“Conflict-related sexual violence is an unspeakable crime that women and children worldwide continue to endure,” said Congresswoman Meng. “We have tools and resources to eradicate this violence and hold perpetrators accountable and now is the time to take action. This resolution affirms the important and leading role the United States plays in addressing conflict-related sexual violence, namely through our efforts to promote women's participation in economic, civic, and security decision-making and peace processes. Eliminating sexual violence in conflict should never be a partisan issue and I will continue working with my colleagues across the aisle to find commonsense solutions to end this crisis.
In 2023, there were 3,688 confirmed cases of sexual violence linked to conflict—a 50% rise from previous years. However, the real number is likely higher because many victims don’t report these crimes due to social stigma, limited support, and lack of accountability for offenders.
“At World Vision, we commend the recent introduction of this resolution, which highlights the need to prevent conflict-related sexual violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide adequate resources and health care to survivors,” said Margaret Schuler, Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer at World Vision US. “In conflict areas such as Sudan, millions of women are at risk of becoming victims of physical or sexual violence. This resolution moves us one step closer to ending sexual violence in conflict zones and toward ensuring that all women and girls are protected and empowered, no matter where they live.”
"Too often, sexual violence is used as a weapon of war to repress or terrorize civilians, and women and girls often pay the biggest price.” said Melanie Nezer, Vice President of Advocacy and External Relations at the Women's Refugee Commission. “Women in conflict zones live in fear of sexual assault, yet are rarely able to access the protection, healthcare, or justice they deserve. Nobody should have to live this way. The Women's Refugee Commission is grateful to Representative Meng and Representative Salazar for their bipartisan leadership on this issue of basic human rights. We urge all members of Congress to support the Resolution Affirming the Role of the US in Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict, and take a stand for the dignity, safety, and futures of women and girls and all who are at risk of conflict related sexual violence."
Every year on June 19th, the international community marks the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict to raise global awareness of the urgent need to end conflict-related sexual violence, to honor the victims and survivors, and to pay tribute to all those who have devoted their lives to standing up for the eradication of these crimes.