Pusić: sexual violence should be treated and tried as war crime, victims should get reparations

Minister Pusić attended the launching of the initiative in support of the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Vesna Pusić attended 24 September at the UN General Assembly session the launching of the initiative in support of the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. The British initiative was presented by William Hague, while Pusić is one of its initiators. So far, 115 UN members have supported the initiative.

“This initiative is of the utmost importance, given the indifference that exists towards many cases of sexual violence. With this Declaration we are trying to reach all corners of the world and stress the necessity of creating a standard for data gathering and processing, as well as setting up a standardized procedure for trying rape as a war crime,” said Pusić. She added that in this part of Europe too there are many victims of sexual violence, mostly but not only women, whose lives were irrevocably altered by this traumatic experience. While victims of other forms of violence in conflict get at least sympathy and solidarity from society, victims of sexual crimes are often ostracized as they are considered partially responsible for what happened to them.

One of the topical issues in countries who have gone through a war in the past 20 or so years is reparations for the victims of sexual violence, which symbolizes that society as a whole is assuming responsibility for that tragic act, that sexual violence is being recognized as a war crime, no less severe than others, and should not be overlooked, Pusić said. “Croatia will join these efforts to the best of its ability, through the legal framework that includes reparations to the victims of sexual violence in war.”

The minister also presented two books on the subject, which include testimonies of war rape victims. 

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