International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed every year on June 19. In 2026, this date falls on a Friday. The day raises awareness of conflict-related sexual violence, honors victims and survivors, and recognizes people working to end these crimes. It is a solemn international observance focused on prevention, accountability, survivor care, and public understanding. The tone of the day is compassionate and serious, with attention placed on dignity, justice, and the protection of people affected by war. ^{1 2}

See also: World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, National Sexual Assault Awareness Month’s Day of Action (SAAM Day of Action), International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression

History of International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

The observance was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 through resolution A/RES/69/293. The resolution designated June 19 of each year as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. The date was chosen because, on June 19, 2008, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1820. That resolution treated sexual violence in conflict as a matter of international peace and security and condemned its use as a tactic of war.

The day is connected with a wider effort to recognize that sexual violence in war is not an unavoidable side effect of conflict. It can be used to terrorize communities, force displacement, punish civilians, or destroy social ties. Conflict-related sexual violence includes grave abuses such as rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced marriage, enforced sterilization, and other comparable crimes linked to armed conflict. Today, the observance places attention on survivor-centered support, legal accountability, prevention, and the need to remove shame from victims and place responsibility on perpetrators.

Why is International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict important?

The day matters because conflict-related sexual violence often remains hidden. Survivors may face stigma, fear of retaliation, lack of medical care, or limited access to justice, especially in areas where courts, hospitals, and community protection systems have been damaged by war. Public recognition helps challenge silence around these crimes and supports the principle that survivors deserve care, respect, and protection. It also keeps pressure on governments, armed groups, institutions, and international bodies to treat these acts as serious violations, not as private or secondary harms.

The observance also broadens the way people understand the human cost of conflict. Sexual violence can affect women, girls, men, and boys, and its effects may continue long after fighting stops. Survivors may need emergency health services, trauma care, legal aid, safe reporting options, and long-term support from families and communities. By focusing on accountability and prevention, the day connects compassion for survivors with the larger work of protecting civilians and rebuilding trust after violence.

• It honors victims and survivors with dignity.
• It challenges stigma and silence around wartime abuse.
• It supports access to medical, legal, and psychosocial care.
• It calls attention to accountability for perpetrators.
• It recognizes the work of people protecting civilians in conflict.

How to Observe International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

Learn about conflict-related sexual violence from credible human rights, humanitarian, and survivor-centered materials. Share careful information that avoids sensational language and respects the privacy and dignity of survivors. A school, workplace, faith group, or community organization can use the day for a discussion on civilian protection, international humanitarian law, or the needs of people displaced by war. Donations to reputable organizations that provide medical care, counseling, legal support, or safe services for survivors can also be appropriate.

Use the day to listen responsibly rather than to simplify a painful subject. Conversations should avoid victim-blaming, graphic details, or turning survivors’ experiences into political arguments without care for those harmed. It is also useful to learn how gender-based violence services work in humanitarian settings and why funding, trained staff, confidentiality, and safe access matter. The most respectful observance keeps survivors at the center and treats justice, care, and prevention as connected responsibilities.

• Read a survivor-centered resource on conflict-related sexual violence.
• Share factual information without graphic or exploitative details.
• Support organizations that provide confidential survivor services.
• Host a respectful discussion on civilian protection in war.
• Learn how stigma can prevent survivors from seeking help.

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict Dates

1. https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/796875?ln=en[↩]
2. https://www.unfpa.org/events/international-day-elimination-sexual-violence-conflict[↩]