Statement by Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Margot Wallström

Two years ago today, the massacre of peaceful protesters by security forces in Guinea-Conakry shocked the world. Women were particular targets of the violence. Dozens of public rapes and gang-rapes of women in broad daylight dramatically showed that sexual violence is not only a weapon in times of war. Whether it serves as a tactic of conflict or part of the repertoire of political repression, the effect is the same: to silence, intimidate and punish the victims.