UN names 21 countries where rape in conflict
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — A new U.N. report names 21 countries where rape and other sexual violence has been committed in current and recent conflicts — from Afghanistan and Central African Republic to Myanmar and Syria.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's report, launched Thursday, says there is now unprecedented political momentum globally to end conflict-related sexual violence but more action is needed regionally and nationally to respond to these crimes.
"Covering 21 countries of concern in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and the Middle East, the report shows that this truly is a global crime," Zainab Hawa Bangura, the secretary-general's special representative on sexual violence in conflict, told a news conference.
The report identifies 34 armed groups — including militias, rebel groups and government security forces — suspected of rape and sexual violence in conflict situations.
