LONDON, (Thom-son Reuters Foundation) – Breaking the culture of impunity for militant groups such as Islamic State which use rape as a weapon of war is the priority for Britain’s new special representative on preventing sexual violence in conflict.
Britain is working with local organisations in Syria and Iraq to help victims of sexual violence document their ordeal in a manner that can stand up as evidence in court to bring the perpetrators to justice, Joyce Anelay said.
Anelay was appointed to the role in June to replace former British foreign secretary William Hague, who last summer hosted the world’s first global summit on sexual violence in conflict in London alongside Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie.
“Success will be measured by enabling victims to speak out and helping them to become survivors, supporting projects which work to change legislation, and … to change attitudes towards sexual violence,” Anelay said.
An international protocol was established last year to investigate sex crimes, collect evidence and prosecute perpetrators, following a 2013 declaration, now signed by 150 countries, pledging to provide justice and safety for victims.
The guidelines established at last year’s summit include advice on gathering testimonies from survivors and witnesses, and guidance on photographing, filming and sketching crime scenes, as well as the collection of physical evidence.
