Elysée summit for Peace and Security in Africa (December 6-7, 2013)
We, First Ladies, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Spouses of Heads of Delegation at the Elysée Summit for Peace and Security in Africa gathered in Paris on the occasion of " Africa Peace and Security Summit » on December 6th, 2013, denounced the intolerable persistence of sexual violence in conflicts and refuse they are considered inevitable or acceptable consequences of wars.
These sexual assaults are defined by the International Criminal Court as war crimes, crimes against humanity or as a component of genocide. They should not in any case remain unpunished.
We are committed to raise public awareness about these crimes, to work for their prevention, to ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted and punished, and provide better support to victims.
We encourage all national and international efforts to strengthen capacity to prevent and respond to sexual violence in conflicts.
We are also believe there cannot be respect for women's rights in time of war if the rights of women and equality between women and men are not insured in peacetime.