International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

• Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

In late 2024, one in six children was living in an area affected by armed conflict. In such circumstances, children are an especially vulnerable group. Recent reports by the United Nations show that the number of cases of sexual violence against children is increasing. This form of warfare is used to punish the opposing side in a conflict, individual ethnic groups, or to displace populations or strengthen control over a certain territory. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of confirmed cases of sexual violence against children in conflict rose by 35 percent.

Such abuse leaves deep physical and psychological scars, and its widespread occurrence has consequences that affect several generations. The abuse is often not reported due to stigma, fear of reprisal and a lack of access to healthcare and psychosocial support. Furthermore, such crimes are rarely punished. The stigma also affects children born of conflict-related sexual violence, who often experience abandonment or face serious issues regarding the recognition of their legal identity and the acquisition of personal documents. Consequently, they are unable to access education, social and economic security, as well as political rights.

Through its foreign policy activities, Slovenia supports children's rights and does not tolerate violence against children. All parties involved in a conflict must recognise the need to protect children. In addition, Slovenia is committed to prosecuting sexual violence in conflict and preventing impunity. It also supports victims and survivors through international partnerships. By supporting the work of international mechanisms and tribunals against sexual violence in conflict, Slovenia is shifting the stigmatisation onto perpetrators and those responsible for such crimes.

In this context, Slovenia supports the work and efforts of the Special Representatives of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, the UN Trust Fund for Children and Armed Conflict, the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, the UN Team of Experts on Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, the UN Population Fund, the Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Criminal Court's Trust Fund for Victims.