UN Women Ukraine statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict 2026

Photo: UN Women / Anastasiia Dereko

Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we stand in solidarity with all survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in Ukraine and around the world. 

This year's commemoration comes at a critical moment. The inclusion of the Russian Federation's armed and security forces in the list of parties credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for patterns of conflict-related sexual violence1 in the UN Secretary-General's annual report on conflict-related sexual violence, underscores the international community's deep concern about the continued use of sexual violence in the context of the war against Ukraine.  

According to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 through 31 January 2026, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Ukraine has documented at least 701 cases of sexual violence perpetrated by the Russian Federation, against 546 men, 139 women, 14 girls and 2 boys. This violence was perpetrated primarily against Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) and civilian detainees, and against civilians in residential areas of occupied territory.  This is a stark reminder of the scope and gravity of the use of conflict-related sexual violence against civilians living under occupation. 

Conflict-related sexual violence is a grave violation of international law and a devastating assault on human dignity. Behind every documented case are individuals, families and communities whose lives have been profoundly affected. Many more remain unheard due to fear, stigma, trauma, or lack of access to services. Across Ukraine, they have emerged as powerful advocates, community leaders, and agents of change. Their courage in speaking out, supporting others, and shaping policies and reparation efforts has contributed significantly to strengthening Ukraine's response to CRSV. They are among the many heroes of Ukraine's recovery. 

Over the past years, UN Women has worked alongside women survivors’ networks, government institutions, women-led civil society organizations, sister UN entities and international partners to ensure that survivors' voices influence decision-making and that their rights remain at the center of policies and programmes. We have invested in strengthening the capacities of survivor networks and women-led organizations, recognizing their indispensable role in advancing access to justice, supporting comprehensive rehabilitation initiatives that combine psychosocial support, legal assistance, and economic empowerment, and promoting innovative digital tools that expand access to information and services.  

UN Women has played a key role in advancing discussions on reparations for survivors of CRSV, including through support to the development of Ukraine's emerging interim reparations framework. We continue to advocate for reparations that are survivor-centered, accessible, and transformative and support memorialization initiatives, including the production and promotion of documentaries like Traces and The Rippling Silence/Fly, fish, fly, to preserve women survivors' experiences and contribute to truth, recognition, and accountability. 

None of this would be possible without the dedication of women survivors’ networks such as SEMA Ukraine and Numo, Sestry; women-led civil society organizations, government institutions, and the support of our partners and donors. We are grateful to the European Union and the Governments of France, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Germany, and Canada amongst others for their commitment to advancing survivor-centered responses to CRSV and supporting survivors’ rights, recovery, and leadership. 

Today, we reaffirm our commitment to continue this work. The elimination of sexual violence in conflict requires sustained political will, accountability, and resources. It requires listening to survivors, investing in their leadership, and ensuring that they are not merely consulted but empowered to shape the policies and solutions that affect their lives. 

On this day, and every day, we call for the complete halt to conflict-related sexual violence and all other violations of international humanitarian law, as well as for the exchange of all prisoners of war and the unconditional release of all civilians unlawfully detained, including those held in occupied territories, and for their safe return home.  

UN Women stands with survivors. We honor their courage, amplify their voices, and remain committed to working alongside them to build a future grounded in justice, dignity, equality, and lasting peace. 

About UN Women*  

UN Women exists to advance women’s rights, gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. As the lead UN entity on gender equality, we shift laws, institutions, social behaviors and services to close the gender gap and build an equal world for all women and girls. We keep the rights of women and girls at the centre of global progress – always, everywhere. Because gender equality is not just what we do. It is who we are.  

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