Sexual violence in conflict can be ended – UN Special Representative visiting Finland

Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zainab Bangura is visiting Finland on 1–3 April. During her visit, Special Representative Bangura will meet with, among others, Minister for Foreign Affairs Erkki Tuomioja, Minister for International Development Sirpa Paatero and former President Martti Ahtisaari.

"Finland's policy line is zero tolerance to sexual violence everywhere, including in conflict areas and situations of war," Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja emphasizes. "Finland's work on women's rights and women's political participation is very significant for the work to prevent sexual violence in war and post-war situations".

Special Representative Bangura is in a key position in the fight to end sexual violence. She has previously served as Minister of Health and Sanitation for the Government of Sierra Leone and in a senior management position in the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). She is also an experienced civil society activist. Currently she leads the United Nations Stop Rape Now campaign that helps victims of rape and efforts to stop conflict-related sexual violence. Finland is one of the biggest financiers of the campaign. In addition, Finland supports the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Justice Rapid Response (JRR) mechanism, and last year Finland was the biggest financier of UN Women, the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.

The fight against sexual violence gained new momentum last year after the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict in London, where governments declared new practical commitments to stop sexual violence in conflicts.

Additional information: Desk Officer Tapio Rantanen, Unit for UN and General Global Affairs , tel. +358 295 351221