Statement of the Czech Republic at the May 15 Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict
Justice
Even in times of peace, we should not forget that sexual violence must be adequately addressed. Czech law criminalizes such behaviour. In 2015, the Czech Republic adopted its action plan for the prevention of domestic and gender-based violence for the period 2015-2018. Its aim is to prevent domestic and gender-based violence and to increase the efficiency of the victim-support system. It addresses domestic violence, as well as sexual harassment, rape, stalking and other forms of gender-based violence. The Czech action plan on women, peace and security, adopted in early 2017, sets out concrete tasks for combating sexual violence and other forms of violence against women and girls. We have also set up a framework for training sessions and programmes for military and civilian personnel in order to prevent this dangerous behaviour, together with the Ministry of Defence action plan on women, peace and security
Displacement
In the framework of development cooperation and humanitarian aid, the Czech Republic has implemented a number of projects abroad, totalling CZK130 million in 2016, with a strong gender aspect, including projects aimed at preventing sexual violence and the abuse of women and girls. We have also set up health-care and hygiene centres for marginalized and abused girls and/or internally displaced persons. Those projects have been implemented in Georgia, Serbia, Kosovo, Syria, the Central African Republic and Afghanistan. In 2017, the Czech Republic started the implementation of a project aimed at combating sexual violence in Cuba.