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UN: A step to help end rape in war
Date: 2 February 2010
Source: Human Rights Watch
The UN Security Council created a senior post on women in armed conflict in September 2009, with a specific mandate to address rape and sexual violence. On 30 January 2010, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced his choice of Margot Wallstrom, a Swedish politician who is currently vice-president of the European Commission. Wallstrom served three years as minister for women and youth in Sweden, and has pushed for stronger representation of women on the European Commission. Human Rights Watch says the appointment is an important step. "The UN has long needed a high-level focal point to address this horrific crime that so often goes unpunished during wartime chaos," said Marianne Mollmann, women's rights advocate at Human Rights Watch. "The appointment of a senior position on women in armed conflict is an important step in that direction." She warns that even the most committeed individual needs adequate resources and support from UN member states to get the job done.
