According to the UN, there were heightened levels of conflict-related sexual violence last year. And war puts women at increased risk even when they have fled the conflict zone, or when a conflict has ended. Yet despite its prevalence, sexual violence is one of the least understood, reported and punished crimes in conflict. But members of Islamic State have yet to be punished for systematic sexual violence towards Yazidi women. As foreign secretary, William Hague launched a high-profile initiative to prevent sexual violence in war zones, but attention – and funding – ebbed after his departure.

Source: The Guardian April 16, 2022 08:56 UTC