Addressing Sexual Violence Through Peace Processes (English/Spanish)

Sexual violence is a crime against humanity and is commonly used as a systematic weapon of war against women and men. Research that illustrates the forms, frequency and context of sexual violence is critical to help build peace and prevent the recurrence of such violence. Join the U.S. Institute of Peace, Oxfam and the Latin America Working Group for a discussion on addressing sexual violence in peace processes using evidence from recent survey results from Colombia.

For more information about this event, visit

A recent survey on the prevalence of sexual violence against women in the armed conflict in Colombia, supported by Oxfam, provides quantitative information for the period 2010-2015. An analysis of its findings is crucial to understand how to address the problem in the context of transitional justice as part of a peace process. The event will discuss the survey, inclusion of provisions addressing sexual violence in the Colombian government-FARC peace agreement, and the challenges of implementation as a new government is about to take office in Colombia.

The panel will include Colombian women who conducted the survey and are from organizations that are part of the “Rape and Other Violence: Take My Body Out from War” campaign. They will speak from their own experiences, discuss the survey, and share reflections on their advocacy to address sexual violence in the peace agreement and its implementation. The event will be live-streamed in Spanish, with English translation provided for guests on-site. An English recording will be made available online following the event. Join the conversation on Twitter using #ColombiaPeaceForum.

Speakers

Rosarie Tucci, opening remarks

Director, Inclusive Societies, U.S. Institute of Peace

Kathleen Kuehnast, moderator

Director, Gender Policy and Strategy, U.S. Institute of Peace

Marta Londoño Acevedo

Campaign Coordinator, Oxfam Colombia

Mary Ellsberg

Director, Global Women's Institute at George Washington University

Angela Maria Escobar

Coordinator, Network of Women Victims and Professionals, Colombia

Olga Sanchez

Director, Casa de la Mujer-Colombia

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The United States Institute of Peace works to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict around the world. USIP does this by engaging directly in conflict zones and by providing analysis, education, and resources to those working for peace. Created by Congress in 1984 as an independent, nonpartisan, federally funded organization, USIP’s more than 300 staff work at the Institute’s D.C. headquarters, and on the ground in the world’s most dangerous regions.