Justice

However, in order to bring perpetrators to justice, it is crucial that the victims of conflict-related sexual violence report such cases and not be held back by fear, shame or stigma. That once more serves to emphasize the importance of awareness-raising and changing social norms and mindsets. Victims of sexual violence must be assisted with legal, medical and other relevant services to avoid their expulsion from communities and to prevent double victimization.

Every country can make a difference in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence. Estonia has taken steps at both the national and international levels. At the global level, we have supported the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Sexual Violence in Conflict and made regular contributions to the ICC Trust Fund for Victims. Likewise, Estonia has supported the fight against conflict-related sexual violence through the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict.