On the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the United Nations envoy to Somalia today called on Somalia's leaders, communities and partners to do more to assist and listen to victims and survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).
However, the vast majority of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence do not report such violence due to fear and cultural stigma, and therefore, it remains an under-reported crime.
In Somalia, some 3,000 victims and survivors of sexual assault and gender-based violence, including CRSV, received medical and health assistance last year, and some 5,700 received psychological assistance.
A direct outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic in Somalia has been an increased burden on health services and first responders, potentially increasing the risk to service providers and victims and survivors of CRSV.
For example, Somalia's Attorney-General's Office has said that the suspension of court work during the pandemic has resulted in zero convictions for sexual crimes since April.
