Lagos – Amb. Michele Sison, U.S. Deputy Representative to the United Nations (UN), on Friday called on member countries to rise against sexual violence and trafficking of women and girls in conflicts.
Sison said in a statement that terrorists’ use of sexual violence was not only in Iraq and Syria, but also in Somalia, Nigeria and Mali.
“We have seen steady growth in the use of sexual violence against women and men, girls and boys, by terrorists in Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Nigeria and Mali.
“Non-state armed groups like ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) use sexual violence in a pre-meditated way to recruit fighters, raise money, intimidate and demoralise communities in order to consolidate their hold on territories.
“The United States, therefore, urges all UN member states to condemn these crimes and those who commit them,’’ it said.
The statement also enjoined the countries to be committed to the eradication of groups that engage in human trafficking and conflict-related sexual violence in their communities.
Besides, it urged member states to ensure that labour practices do not contribute to human trafficking.
According to the statement, it is needful for countries to devote resources for the rehabilitation of conflict survivors.
It said that the U.S. had committed nearly $40 million to support victims of sexual violence in conflicts in different countries, including Nigeria. (NAN)