14 May 2012: We, the Control Arms Foundation of India and Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network joined The International Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict that is the first ever global collaboration between Nobel Peace Laureates, international advocacy organizations, and groups working at the regional and community levels in conflict areas to stop rape and gender violence in conflict on 11 May 2012, 3-5 pm at India Gate.The Campaign was led by the women Peace Laureates of the Nobel Women’s Initiative and an Advisory Committee comprised of 25 organizations.
Stop Rape in Conflict
Rape in conflict is not a new phenomenon. But with increased data, research, and media visibility, we are able to demonstrate the widespread nature of gender violence around the world. Rape is no longer considered an inevitable part of armed conflict—evidence shows that it is employed as a strategic weapon to destroy people, communities, and entire nations.
Gender violence is a tactical weapon used by state security forces and armed groups alike. It includes rape, sexual slavery, forced pregnancy, sterilization, mutilation, and insertion of objects into cavities. In international law, rape and gender violence are considered a crime against humanity, war crime and rape can be a crime of genocide. The motives for conflict-related rape and gender violence are varied—ranging from tactical to personal. Rape is often used to destroy the social and cultural bonds of communities, gang rape can be used to create cohesion within army units, it can be used to ensure terror among the enemy or during looting. Rape continues to often be used as a weapon after peace has been negotiated, as various sides in conflicts struggle to demobilize and resume their lives alongside each other—often still fearing renewed clashes. Gender violence tears the social fabric of society apart, continuing to leave a deep impact on survivors and communities in the years after the attack and conflict. Medical problems such as sexually transmitted diseases or gynecological fistula, only compound the psychological trauma. Our collective efforts have brought gender violence to the forefront of policy and public discussions. Now, our united actions will stop rape in conflict.
On 11 May 2012, we the members of Control Arms Foundation of India successfully organized an awareness programme at India Gate, where more than 150 fliers were distributed to the public. Later we submitted memorandums to: President of India, Prime Minister of India, Women and Child Department of Govt of India
For more information, please contact:
Control Arms Foundation of India & Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network
Address for correspondence: B 5/146, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi-110029, India.
Phone: +9-11-46018541 Fax: +91-11-26166234.
Press release is sent to KanglaOnline by A. Majaiibungo,Meetei Team Leader Research and Advocacy, Control Arms Foundation of India ,B 5 / 146, First Floor, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi – 110 029, India
Email: majaicafi{at}gmail{dot}com
