Sexual violence in conflict is not an inevitable byproduct of war—it is a deliberate tactic used to terrorize, destabilize, and destroy communities, and alarmingly, it is on the rise. 

On this International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, Harambee Collective stands in solemn solidarity with survivors and reaffirms its collective commitment to ending one of the most egregious crimes and violations of human rights. 

In East Africa and neighboring regions, the impacts of conflict-related sexual violence are deeply felt across borders and generations. From Sudan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tigray to South Sudan and Somalia, countless survivors—disproportionately women and girls—have endured rape, forced pregnancy, sexual slavery, and other brutal forms of sexual violence used systematically to terrorize and control civilian populations.  

Survivors of this violence often carry the compounded burden of physical and psychological trauma, social stigma, forced displacement, and chronic barriers to justice, healthcare, and support. Impunity emboldens perpetrators, and too many cases go unreported. Sexual violence in conflict is a weapon that leaves scars far beyond war itself, tearing at the fabric of generations. 

It is critical to stand with survivors, to listen, to act, and to ensure that their pain is never dismissed. Their courage is not only a testament to individual resilience but a powerful act of defiance against systems of silence and impunity. 

In the face of injustice, survivors continue to lead movements for truth, healing, and accountability. Their strength compels us not only to bear witness but to act—to ensure that justice is pursued, health systems are strengthened, and future generations are spared from cycles of violence. 

As conflicts escalate across the globe, the time to act is now. Yet, as needs grow more urgent, funding for lifesaving services is being slashed—abandoning survivors and undermining decades of progress.  

Today and every day, we honor the courage of survivors who continue to speak out, often at great personal risk, and we call on governments, international institutions, and civil society to match the courage of survivors with decisive action. Prevent these atrocities, hold perpetrators fully accountable, and deliver the justice, healing, and dignity every survivor deserves.