WAS Statement on Sexual Health & Rights during Times of War

PRESS RELEASE

[Cape Town, South Africa] – The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) today issued a statement on Sexual Health and Rights during Times of War, expressing deep concern over the impact of armed conflict on the lives, health, and fundamental rights of affected populations. The statement calls on governments, international bodies, and humanitarian actors to urgently uphold the rights to health, dignity, and protection - particularly in relation to sexual violence, access to healthcare, and the safety of civilians and healthcare workers in conflict zones.

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8 December 2024

THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH (WAS):

STANDS IN SOLIDARITY with those affected by devastating war and conflict worldwide, including in countries and regions such as Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, Darfur, Myanmar, Nagorno-Karabakh, Syria, Tigray and Yemen.

RECALLS all relevant international human rights treaties and the WAS Declaration of Sexual Rights, including their provisions related to the rights to life, liberty and security, freedom from torture, freedom from all forms of sexual violence and coercion, and the right to the highest attainable standard of health.

VEHEMENTLY CONDEMNS the use of rape and other forms of sexual violence as weapons of war and STRONGLY OPPOSES all forms of violence, in particular sexual violence.

STRONGLY CONDEMNS attacks on hospitals, and using hospitals for military purposes, as well as the jeopardisation of the provision of services in any form.

STRONGLY OPPOSES the abduction of civilians and the use of administrative detention without access to justice, including fair trial.

CALLS for immediate actions to ensure access to healthcare services, water, sanitation, food, and shelter, especially for the most vulnerable populations in all conflict zones and ensure the life, safety and well-being of healthcare workers.

URGES all parties to conflict, and the international community to take immediate measures to address these critical needs and uphold the health, rights, and safety of all individuals, including concerning sexual health and rights during times of war and conflict.

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About WAS

WAS represents thousands of individuals in Sexual Health as an international confederation with member organizations worldwide, promoting Sexual Health, Rights, Justice, and Pleasure through research, education, and clinical services.

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