U.A.E. institutions, individuals join global efforts to combat sexual violence in conflict

LONDON: A group of Emirati women are joining efforts by activists from 148 countries, brought together by a global summit in London, to shed light on sexual violence in conflict, at as part of collaboration between the British Embassies in U.A.E. and a range of local institutions and individuals. In Abu Dhabi, and on the occasion of the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict that is being held in London between 10 -13 June. UK Charge d Affaires, Paul Fox, hosted a reception yesterday in the presence of UK Minister of State for International Development, Alan Duncan, to discuss what global action on eradicating rape as a weapon of war can achieve. In Dubai, to support the campaign the Burj Al Arab, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks will illuminate its sail with the End Sexual Violence in Conflict hash tag #TimetoAct for the duration of the Summit. The British Embassy in Dubai will also host a tweet up with young activists, including Emirati women, on the subject to raise awareness in U.A.E. digital community. The tweet up will take place between 10h30-11h30 on Thursday 13 June and members of the public can observe the debate by following UKinUAE #TimetoAct. The London Summit is being hosted by the UK Foreign Secretary, William Hague, and Special Envoy of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Angelina Jolie, and is the biggest meeting ever held of its kind with over 148 countries represented at senior level, including U.A.E. The Summit aims to see practical steps agreed that will drive change on the ground, shattering the culture of impunity that surrounds the crime of rape as a weapon of war. It will identify concrete actions to improve documentation and investigation of sexual violence in conflict; provide greater support for survivors including children; ensure sexual and gender based violence responses and the promotion of gender equality are fully integrated in all peace and security efforts; and improve international co-ordination on the subject. Speaking at the reception, UK Minister for International Development, Mr. Alan Duncan said, "Rape as a weapon of war ruins the lives of women and men, boys and girls and destroys whole communities. We need to ensure the spotlight of the world falls on the issue and brings public pressure to bear on governments and the international community that now is the time to act to end these crimes. It’s wonderful that such an iconic landmark as the Burj Al Arab is supporting this cause in such a powerful way". – Emirates News Agency, WAM