The European Union has condemned conflict-related sexual violence against children as a 'horrible tactic of war and terrorism,' warning that the physical, psychological and social harm is devastating and long-lasting. In a statement delivered on 19 June 2026 at the United Nations in New York on behalf of the EU and its Member States, Ambassador Hedda Samson said perpetrators are emboldened by impunity and that 'the future of entire generations is on the line.' The statement was made on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, at an event organised by Argentina and the Offices of the SRSGs for Sexual Violence in Conflict and for Children and Armed Conflict.
The EU called for holistic, survivor-centred and trauma-informed care, including comprehensive healthcare, child-friendly reporting and justice mechanisms, and long-term psycho-social and reintegration support. It stressed the need to build child protection systems, engage caregivers and communities, and address root causes such as gender inequalities and harmful social norms. The EU also emphasised accountability for perpetrators and reparations for victims.
The EU positioned itself as a 'strong ally and committed partner,' noting it provides the largest share of global humanitarian funding. Addressing sexual and gender-based violence in emergencies is a central priority of the EU's new strategic approach on humanitarian diplomacy. The statement cited concrete examples: in Ukraine, the EU supports national stakeholders in implementing conflict-related sexual violence policies and accountability mechanisms; in Sudan, it funds a EUR 3 million programme for prevention, response and women's empowerment in peacebuilding; in Chad, a similar programme supports service providers and women's economic autonomy; and in Mali and Cameroon, the EU funds lifesaving gender-based violence response in conflict-affected regions. Beyond conflict zones, the EU invests through the Spotlight Initiative and the ACT programme.
The statement directly addressed survivors, affected communities, service providers, civil society and human rights defenders, saying: 'we hear you, we stand with you, we work every day for you, and we commit to step up our efforts to end the scourge of conflict-related sexual violence once and for all.'