Addressing Sexual Violence Through Peace Processes
A View from Colombia
Sexual violence is a crime against humanity and is commonly used as a systematic weapon of war against women and men. Research that illustrates the forms, frequency and context of sexual violence is critical to help build peace and prevent the recurrence of such violence. Join the U.S. Institute of Peace, Oxfam and the Latin America Working Group for a discussion on addressing sexual violence in peace processes using evidence from recent survey results from Colombia.
A recent survey on the prevalence of sexual violence against women in the armed conflict in Colombia, supported by Oxfam, provides quantitative information for the period 2010-2015. An analysis of its findings is crucial to understand how to address the problem in the context of transitional justice as part of a peace process. The event will discuss the survey, inclusion of provisions addressing sexual violence in the Colombian government-FARC peace agreement, and the challenges of implementation as a new government is about to take office in Colombia.
The panel will include Colombian women who conducted the survey and are from organizations that are part of the “Rape and Other Violence: Take My Body Out from War” campaign. They will speak from their own experiences, discuss the survey, and share reflections on their advocacy to address sexual violence in the peace agreement and its implementation. The event will be live-streamed in Spanish, with English translation provided for guests on-site. An English recording will be made available online following the event. Join the conversation on Twitter using #ColombiaPeaceForum.
Speakers
Rosarie Tucci, opening remarks
Director, Inclusive Societies, U.S. Institute of Peace
Kathleen Kuehnast, moderator
Director, Gender Policy and Strategy, U.S. Institute of Peace
Marta Londoño Acevedo
Campaign Coordinator, Oxfam Colombia
Mary Ellsberg
Director, Global Women's Institute at George Washington University
Angela Maria Escobar
Coordinator, Network of Women Victims and Professionals, Colombia
Olga Sanchez
Director, Casa de la Mujer-Colombia
