Spotlight on Ukraine: Addressing CRSV and GBV In Times of War

Conflict-related sexual violence is not an unfortunate side effect of war; it is a tactic used deliberately to punish and terrorize victims and survivors, and their communities. Although conflict-related sexual violence also affects men and boys, in 2024, women and girls made up 92 per cent of UN-verified cases. It is also well-documented that all forms of gender-based violence, whether conflict-related or not, increase during conflict, including intimate partner violence. Gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, inflict severe physical and psychological trauma and injuries, including reproductive harm and unintended pregnancies. The trauma not only harms individuals, but entire families and communities for generations. At a time when they are at their most vulnerable, women and girls are too often overlooked.

Recognition of these profound and far-reaching impacts necessitates a concerted global response, a call to action directly addressed by convening on the margins of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts, and share knowledge and innovations to end gender-based violence in all its forms. Held annually, it begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and runs through 10 December, Human Rights Day.

As the war in Ukraine soon marks its fourth year, the devastating impact on millions of women and girls has been widespread, with cases of conflict-related sexual violence (including cases against men and boys), soaring gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse and dwindling access to life-saving sexual and reproductive healthcare.

And even as these violations are on the rise in Ukraine and around the world, global funding cuts are dismantling programs designed to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence. This has led to a reduction in critical services like medical treatment and counseling, leaving countless women and girls exposed to harm. All too often, perpetrators operate with impunity. One of the most enduring realities of this violence is that many cases go unreported for reasons including fear, shame, stigma and inadequate services.

Women and girls in conflict-affected contexts need immediate, life-saving services and access to long-term support. In Ukraine, UNFPA and UN Women are working to close this gap, providing survivor-centered care for sexual and reproductive health, mental health support, legal assistance, and confidential spaces for healing and reporting crimes, without fear of judgment or reprisal.

To truly end gender-based violence, including conflict-related sexual violence, we need to invest in these prevention and protection services, and ensure we do not abandon those most at risk. And importantly, it is crucial to invest in conflict prevention and to empower survivors to lead their own paths to healing and justice. By collectively acting on these priorities, we can break the cycle of violence, heal the scars of conflict, address gender inequality and build a more peaceful and just world.

UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women, The Embassy of Finland in Denmark and the creators behind the ‘I Was Born a Girl’ project invite to a morning of dialogue with a Spotlight on Ukraine: Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and Gender-Based Violence In Times of War.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The ‘I Was Born a Girl’ exhibition by Finnish artist Minna Pietarinen aims to amplify the voices of women, providing a space for reflection, understanding and motivation for action. It emphasizes that everyone has a role to play in promoting and advocating for human rights and the rights of women and girls in their own way. By showcasing artistic interpretations and meaningful exchange, the ‘I Was Born a Girl’ exhibition serves as a catalyst for dialogue, action and social change.

Please arrive to the UN City on time to be able to enjoy the 'I Was Born a Girl' exhibition prior to the event.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please bring a valid photo-ID to get through security at UN City and set aside time for the security check prior to the event.

Please note that the check-in will open at 09:15 and close at 09:55. It will not be possible to enter UN City after this time.

Please do not book tickets under your name for someone else – please reserve each ticket under each participant's name due to the security check upon entry to UN City.

Photography will be taken during the event, and can be used for communication purposes by the organizers.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Speakers and Panelists

H. E. Andrii Yanevskyi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Denmark [tbc]

Matthias Schmale, Assistant Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine [video message]

Nina Lompart, GBV Project Coordinator, UNFPA in Ukraine

German Vega Cortes, Head of CRSV Response, UN Women Ukraine, or Iryna Mikhailovska, Project Coordination Analyst, with a focus on Access to Justice on CRSV/GVB, UN Women Ukraine [virtual participation ]

Moderator

Ulla Müller, Director, UNFPA Nordic Representation Office

Programme

10.00 Welcome and setting the scene by moderator

10.05 Reading of the first poem: Olena Zelenska - The right to peace and security

10.10 Keynote speech: H.E. Andrii Yanevskyi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Denmark [tbc]

10.20 Keynote message: Matthias Schmale, Assistant Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine

10.25 Reading of the second poem: Michelle Bachelet - The right to human rights

10.30 Panel Discussion

Nina Lompart, GBV Project Coordinator, UNFPA in Ukraine

German Vega Cortes, Head of CRSV Response, UN Women Ukraine, or Iryna Mikhailovska, Project Coordination Analyst, with a focus on Access to Justice on CRSV/GVB, UN Women Ukraine

10.55 Wrap up and concluding remarks

11.00 Reading of the third poem: The right to safety and a life without violence