EU Statement International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict: Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Against Children: Safeguarding Futures and Empowering Caregivers

EU Statement -- International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict: Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Against Children: Safeguarding Futures and Empowering Caregivers

19 June 2026, New York -- Statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States delivered by H.E. Ambassador Hedda Samson, Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict: Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Against Children: Safeguarding Futures and Empowering Caregivers

Excellencies,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

We thank the Permanent Mission of Argentina, and the Offices of the SRSGs for Sexual Violence in Conflict and for Children and Armed Conflict for organising today's event, and the speakers for their important remarks.

The EU is gravely concerned by the conflict-related sexual violence against children committed by State and non-state actors across the globe as a horrible tactic of war and terrorism. The physical, psychological and social harm is devastating and long-lasting, both for the survivors - girls and boys alike - who face trauma, stigmatization and exclusion, as well as for their caregivers and communities, who are often left on their own amid the breakdown of care systems and public institutions. The future of entire generations is on the line, while perpetrators are emboldened by impunity. This is unacceptable.

The way forward is clear. It is essential to provide survivors with holistic, survivor-centred, trauma-informed care and support, including comprehensive healthcare services, child-friendly and effective reporting and justice mechanisms, as well as long-term psycho-social and reintegration support. Building child protection systems, accessible public services and engaging caregivers and communities are also indispensable to ensure a safe and enabling environment for recovery. In addition, addressing the root causes of sexual violence, including gender inequalities, gender-based discrimination and harmful social norms, as well as ensuring accountability for perpetrators and reparations for victims are crucial to prevent and eliminate conflict-related sexual violence in the long term.

The EU stands as a strong ally and committed partner in preventing and addressing conflict-related sexual violence and in supporting survivors and their communities. This translates into both a principled political commitment and concrete action. The EU and its Member States remain reliable and predictable donors, providing the largest share of humanitarian funding globally. Addressing sexual and gender-based violence in emergencies and conflicts is a central priority of the EU's new strategic approach on humanitarian diplomacy.

For example, in Ukraine, the EU supports national stakeholders in implementing CRSV-related policies and accountability mechanisms. In Sudan, the EU supports SGBV prevention and response through service delivery and safe spaces, while also empowering women in peacebuilding through a EUR 3 million programme. In Chad, the EU supports service providers and women's economic autonomy through a programme of the same value. In Mali and Cameroon, the EU funds lifesaving GBV response in conflict-affected regions. The EU also invests in preventing and addressing the root causes of gender-based violence beyond conflict-affected areas through the Spotlight Initiative and the ACT programme.

Excellencies,

As I conclude, let me address directly the survivors, the affected communities, the service providers who go beyond their duty every day, and to the civil society and human rights defenders who amplify the voices of the most vulnerable: we hear you, we stand with you, we work every day for you, and we commit to step up our efforts to end the scourge of conflict-related sexual violence once and for all.

Thank you.