Global conference on stopping rape in conflict
Nobel Women’s Initiative hosts global conference on stopping rape in conflict
- Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict.
- The sharing of strategies and tactics, combined with personal stories made for many powerful discussions. A conference report will be released this fall.
Find videos of panel discussions, blog posts, photos, and media articles on our conference blog.
Video: Aung San Suu Kyi sends a message about the scourge of sexual violence.
Video: Wangari Maathai speaks about rape in war.
Nobel Women’s Initiative releases report on sexual violence
The Nobel Women’s Initiative released the report, War on Women: Time for Action to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, in conjunction with our Day of Action against sexual violence in conflict on May 26. The report provides a global overview of the use of sexual violence in conflict, and what can be done to stop it.
Laureates support Gaza flotilla
Nobel Laureates Mairead Maguire, Jody Williams, Shirin Ebadi and Rigoberta Menchú Tum wrote a letter on June 16 to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, urging him to publicly support the safe passage of a flotilla carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza. The flotilla failed to reach Gaza due to interference by Greek authorities.
Laureates to Ban Ki-moon: Safe Passage for Gaza Flotilla.
“Flytilla” Activists Deported.
Maathai calls African Union attention to climate change
Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai issued a press release calling on African heads of state to make the climate crisis a priority at the African Union Summit Meetings, held in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea from June 29-30. Maathai stressed the importance of African heads of state addressing climate change before the COP 17 UN Climate Conference being held in Durban, South Africa in December.
Maathai: Put Climate on the AU Agenda.
Business Day: Last chance for Africa to take action on climate change.
Suu Kyi leaves Rangoon
Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi travelled outside Rangoon for the first time since being released from house arrest last November. The pro-democracy leader carried out her plans despite threats from the Burmese regime that chaos and riots might ensue. The trip was peaceful and ended without incident.
Burma Threatens Aung Sun Suu Kyi.
Reith Lectures feature Aung San Suu Kyi
Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was featured in the BBC’s annual Reith Lecutres series for fostering discussion and commentary on contemporary issues. Suu Kyi focuses on the notion of freedom and dissent, examining this concept in the context of the fight for democracy in Burma. Both lectures are now available online.
Listen to Aung Sun Suu Kyi: Reith Lectures.
Events
Taking a Stand Against Rape in War
People in Canada and around the world joined us on May 26 for ‘Women’s Day of Action to End Sexual Violence in Conflict’. The day was aimed at bringing the discussions of how to end sexual violence to a broader audience. The Laureates hosted a panel discussion on ending rape in war with Canadian politicians, policymakers, academics, and activists. They also met with Canada’s Minister of International Cooperation, Bev Oda.
We took the day of action online, calling on people to contact their governments and urge them to make ending sexual violence in conflict a priority. More than 1500 people clicked our ‘Take Action’ link and over 2500 posts were made on Twitter and Facebook using the #endrapeinwar hashtag.
Watch the Women’s Day of Action Panel Discussion.
Take a Stand: Day of Action to End Sexual Violence in Conflict.
Delegation to the Americas
In October, Jody Williams and Rigoberta Menchú Tum will lead a delegation to Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico in October to meet with human rights defenders and bring attention to violence against women. We will use media to spotlight the rise in femicide and violence in these countries, and pressure governments to end impunity and defend justice. The role of mining companies in perpetrating human rights abuses will also be examined.
New website coming soon
Keep an eye out… We will be launching a fresh website by the end of the summer with a new format and features. We will keep you posted!
Take Action
Speak out: Anti-Boycott Law Passed in Israel
A controversial law was passed in Israel, prohibiting organizations and individuals from organizing or promoting boycotts of Israel. More than 50 civil society organizations have signed a petition against the law.
Take Action:
Support the “We Still Resist Campaign” by the Coalition of Women for Peace.
Read More:
Outcry Over Boycott Law – Israel.
Iranian Activist Detained: Demand Her Release
Women’s rights defender Maryam Bahrman is being illegally held in prison in Iran. Government officials have ordered her release, but she continues to be detained following her arrest for charges relating to her women’s rights activities. It appears decisions related to her case are being made by Iranian intelligence officers.
Take Action:
Sign the “Free Maryam Bahrman” Petition.
Read More:
Authorities Detain Activist Maryam Bahran – Iran.
Support the Kachin Women of Burma
Many women live in fear as the Burmese military regime is employing sexual violence in its offensive against the Kachin Independence Army in northern Burma. This pattern of violence is not new for a regime that has routinely silenced dissent through the use of torture, rape, slavery, and mass murder for over forty years!
Take Action:
Send a personalized message to Aung San Suu Kyi.
Send a message to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to take the lead on Burma.
Join Amnesty International’s campaign for three freedoms for Burma by using their iPhone app to photograph yourself behind bars.
Read More:
Take Action for the Women of Burma.
Burmese Army Accused of Raping Kachin Civilians.
Kachin Information Center: Burma army targets ethnic women.
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