"Violence against women is an unacceptable reality which needs to be addressed as a matter of priority. It is among the most potent obstacles to the advancement of women and is a fundamental violation of their basic human rights. Combating violence against women, especially in conflict situations, is a priority area for action at the global and national levels. We urge parliaments to ensure that this matter receives the attention it requires", said the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Mr. Pier Ferdinando Casini, in a letter addressed to Speakers of Parliament around the world.

In view of the forthcoming International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to be celebrated on 25 November, the IPU President invites all Speakers of Parliament to raise awareness in their country on the urgent need to tackle violence against women, which is one of the IPU's top priorities. This year, special attention is being placed on to the use of sexual violence against women in conflict situations.

In many armed conflicts, sexual violence is a conscious strategy employed by armed groups to humiliate opponents, terrify individuals and destroy societies. It is a war crime and a human rights violation. When the use of sexual violence is widespread and systematic, it is tantamount to a crime against humanity. "Sexual violence during conflict remains vastly under-addressed due to weak national and international capacity to protect women and girls from violence, and to prosecute those who commit these heinous crimes. Parliaments must take action to change the situation and ensure that women are safe and that crimes are punished," added President Casini.

The world organization of parliaments highlighted the key role of parliaments in combating violence against women in a resolution adopted at its 114th Assembly held in Nairobi last year. The IPU President encourages Speakers of Parliament to use this resolution as a reference for parliamentary action and reiterates the IPU's interest in receiving information on any initiatives taken in this regard.

The IPU urges parliaments the world over to make efforts to end impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict situations and to provide services and assistance to victims. "We also call on you to promote full and effective implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 on women and peace and security. The UN can provide support to national actors, including parliaments, in their efforts to end violence against women. The UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict initiative, which brings together 12 UN system entities, is committed to addressing sexual violence during and after armed conflict", concluded the IPU President.

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Established in 1889 and with its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the IPU, the oldest multilateral political organisation, currently brings together 146 affiliated parliaments and seven regional assemblies as associate members. The world organisation of parliaments has an Office in New York, which acts as its Permanent Observer at the United Nations.
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Contact for additional information or interviews:

Mrs. Luisa Ballin, IPU Information Officer 5, ch. du Pommier, CH - 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex / Geneva Phone: +41 22 919 41 16 Fax: +41 22 919 41 60 E-mail: lb@mail.ipu.org or cbl@mail.ipu.org