OSCE Secretary General condemns use of sexual violence as weapon of war, urges for international support to survivors

VIENNA, 19 June 2022 – Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid called for an urgent end to the use of rape and other sexual crimes as a tactic of war in Ukraine and elsewhere in the OSCE region and beyond.

“I am shocked by continued reports of sexual violence against women and girls, including rape, torture, trafficking and sexual exploitation occurring in Ukraine and in other conflict areas. Men and boys are also the targets of such crimes. This violence is completely unacceptable and must stop,” she said. 

The Secretary General reiterated her call on the Russian Federation to immediately cease all hostilities. She also called for the swift and independent investigation of all reports of sexual violence and other suspected crimes.

“Let me make this clear: sexual violence is a real threat to security. It affects victims, their families and their societies. It has a deep and lasting impact – including on the ability of communities to recover when the fighting has stopped,” she said. 

“We know that women and girls are often the targets of exploitation and trafficking. The OSCE is playing a leading role in helping to prevent trafficking and exploitation, including in its online forms,” Schmid said.

The Secretary General also emphasized the need to enhance international support to survivors of exploitation and sexual violence and to work with civil society to ensure that humanitarian efforts respond to the specific needs of women. 

“Working with civil society, particularly women’s organizations who serve and engage with local communities, is paramount,” she added. 

“The OSCE is engaged in these efforts, but we all need to do more to support victims and communities. There can be no impunity for these horrific crimes.”