Cyprus Participates in Global Summit to End Sexual Violence

More than 145 nations and the public are involved in the Summit, that takes place from June 10th to 13th. The Summit in Cyprus was presented by British High Commissioner in Nicosia Matthew Kidd. As stated by Parikiaki, Kidd stated "...any community, and that includes Cyprus, that has faced conflict has faced also cases of sexual violence in conflict and knows some of the consequences that that can have, short term and then long term".

The Commissioner added, "So we wanted today to do our part to reflect and echo the messages of the big summit meeting that is happening today in London, including with the presence of the Defence Minister from here, to look at what can be done to uproot sexual violence from conflict situations...we want to try to build up awareness of it here to try to encourage people here in Cyprus also to make their voice be heard, give their attention to it, show them too that it is time to act".

The Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict is the largest meeting on this topic ever organized.  Civil society, government, media, judiciary, military and public sectors are all involved in the worldwide forum.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Special Envoy Angelina Jolie stated that sexual violence in conflict is "a crime like no other". The humanitarian actress further commented, "...this Summit will be the moment the world takes practical steps to end impunity and enable survivors to receive better support".