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Hidden Survivors: Sexual Violence against Children in Conflict

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World
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Save the Children
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Sexual violence is one of the most horrific crimes committed during conflict. Our new briefing outlines the extent of the issue and the steps needed to put an end to these crimes against children.

Sexual violence is one of the most horrific crimes committed during conflict. It happens all over the world – in Afghanistan through Colombia to Somalia – with lasting consequences long after the fighting has stopped. Girls and boys make up a large number of the survivors of sexual violence in conflict – as well as a large number of those who do not survive – yet their experiences and specific needs are often overlooked and the perpetrators of these awful crimes are rarely brought to justice. Save the Children welcomes the UK Government’s commitment to use its G8 Presidency in 2013 to campaign for stronger international action to prevent sexual violence in conflict. This is a major opportunity to rally governments, the UN and civil society to re-double their efforts to end this scourge. But to be successful their efforts must address the particular needs of children.