In a demonstration organized by the Rape is Rape committee to “denounce the silence of international and feminist organizations” on the rapes committed during the October 7 attack, a banner reading “Raped by Hamas” was displayed outside the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on December 1, 2023. According to a report by the UN published on April 19, 2023, sexual violence related to conflicts has “intensified” in 2023, with incidents including sexual assaults by Israeli forces in the West Bank and compelling information about rapes of hostages taken to Gaza by Hamas. The report highlights the increased exposure of civilian populations to conflict-related sexual violence due to the proliferation of weapons and increased militarization.
Various forms of violence such as rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancies, and forced marriages continue to be used as tactics of war, torture, and terrorism in conflicts around the world. The majority of victims are women and girls, but men, boys, and individuals of diverse gender identities have also been affected, with most cases reported in detention facilities. The report mentions specific incidents in places like Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Sudan, Mali, and Haiti where such violence has been documented.
The report also addresses specific instances of sexual violence in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. In the West Bank, verified information attested to arrests and detention of Palestinian women and men by Israeli security forces after the October 7 attacks, which often involved beatings, mistreatment, humiliation, and sexual assaults. Similar allegations of violence were reported in Gaza by Israeli forces following the ground offensive. Regarding the accusations of sexual violence by Hamas during the October 7 attacks, the report echoes the findings of UN Special Representative Pramila Patten, indicating reasonable belief that sexual violence, including rape and collective rape, occurred at least in three locations on that day.
Concerning the hostages taken by Hamas to Gaza, there are clear and compelling reports of rape and sexual torture inflicted on women and children during their captivity, along with reasonable suspicion that such violence may continue. In light of these findings, the UN Secretary-General calls for the consideration of conflict-related sexual violence in all political agreements and cease-fire agreements, and urges the Israeli government to treat detainees humanely and allow UN agencies to conduct thorough investigations into alleged violations for the sake of justice.
The report emphasizes the need for accountability for perpetrators of sexual violence in conflict zones and calls for measures to prevent such acts in the future. It underscores the importance of addressing the issue of sexual violence in conflict as a form of human rights violation that requires immediate attention and action from international organizations, governments, and civil society. By shedding light on these atrocities and holding responsible parties accountable, progress can be made towards ending sexual violence in conflict and ensuring justice and protection for all victims.
