On the International Day to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, the UK has taken a significant step in holding perpetrators of sexual violence accountable. The introduction of new sanctions underscores the country’s commitment to combatting these atrocities and supporting survivors of sexual violence in conflict zones. Lord Ahmad, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, announced these measures as part of ongoing efforts to address this pervasive issue.
Sanctions as a Powerful Tool: Freezing Assets and Travel Bans
The newly introduced sanctions serve as a powerful tool to discourage and punish perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict. Those targeted will face asset freezes, preventing them from accessing funds used to support their activities, and travel bans that restrict their mobility. By imposing these penalties, the UK sends a clear message that it stands in solidarity with survivors and condemns these illegal acts.
Targeting Perpetrators: Militia Leaders in the DRC and Syrian Military Officials
The sanctions specifically focus on individuals who have violated international humanitarian law by commanding groups to carry out acts of sexual violence. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, militia leader Désiré Londroma Ndjukpa, associated with the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO-URDPC), has been targeted for his involvement in rape, mass rape, and other forms of sexual and gender-based-violence. Additionally, Syrian Army Chief Abdel Karim Mahmoud Ibrahim and Minister of Defence Ali Mahmoud Abbas face sanctions for authorizing sexual and gender-based violence against civilians.
Reinforcing Accountability: UK’s Commitment to Combat Sexual Violence
Lord Ahmad emphasizes that these sanctions serve as a stern warning to perpetrators that the UK will hold them accountable for their horrendous crimes. By taking concrete actions against individuals involved in sexual violence in conflict, the UK reaffirms its commitment to justice and the prevention of such atrocities.
Addressing Gender Inequality: The UK’s Women and Girls Strategy
The UK’s commitment to addressing sexual violence in conflict extends beyond sanctions. The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office’s Women and Girls Strategy, published in March, outlines a comprehensive approach to tackling gender inequality globally. This strategy sets ambitious targets for promoting gender equality across more than 80% of the UK’s bilateral aid programs by 2030, underscoring the government’s dedication to uplifting women and girls.
Supporting International Compliance: Funding the Mukwege Foundation Guidebook
As part of its broader efforts, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office has provided funding for the production of the Guidebook on State Obligations on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence by the Mukwege Foundation. This resource will assist states worldwide in understanding and complying with international law pertaining to conflict-related sexual violence, promoting accountability and prevention.
Delivering on Commitments: UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative
The introduction of these sanctions reflects the UK’s commitment to the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative. Announced at the initiative’s conference in November 2022, these measures reinforce the country’s determination to utilize all available tools to address sexual violence in conflict zones comprehensively.
Perpetrators Held Accountable: Individuals Sanctioned Today
The individuals who have been sanctioned today include Abdel Karim Mahmoud Ibrahim, the Chief of the General Staff of the Syrian Army and Armed Forces, and Ali Mahmoud Abbas, the Syrian Minister of Defence. Both of them are accused of leading forces that systematically engaged in acts of rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence against civilians. These sanctions are a direct response to their involvement in these heinous crimes. Désiré Londroma Ndjukpa and William Yakutumba, leaders involved in violations of international humanitarian law in the DRC, including rape and mass rape, were also targeted. These sanctions aim to ensure that those responsible for sexual violence face the consequences of their actions.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
