The British High Commission in Abuja on Thursday organised an exhibition and fashion show in support of the international campaign to end sexual violence in conflict.
The event showcased three fashion designers displaying different styles on the runway, all of the collections were made with the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict fabric which was specially commissioned for the campaign. [eap_ad_1] There was also an exhibition of art work specially produced to highlight and support the campaign to end sexual violence in conflict.
In his opening remarks, British Deputy High Commissioner, Simon Shercliff said, “Ending conflict-related sexual violence is of fundamental importance to international peace and security. All too often, a culture of impunity exists around sexual violence in war. The stigma for such crimes usually rests with the victims. Sexual violence in armed conflict disproportionately affects women and girls, preventing their full political, social and economic participation. It also affects men and boys. The overwhelming majority of survivors of sexual violence in conflict never see justice. The use of sexual violence as a weapon of war often condemns the victims to lives of poverty, slowing national economic development.”
He said further that “we want to create an irreversible movement towards ending the use of rape and other forms of sexual violence in conflict. We want to agree practical agreements that bring together and focus the efforts of the whole international community, including governments, the UN and other multilateral organisations, NGOs and civil society in an ambitious and cohesive programme for change that supports wider efforts to address current and active conflict situations around the world”
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