Today, as we convene under the banner of accountability, we must confront a stark reality. In every corner of the world, conflict continues to wreak havoc, leaving countless lives shattered, with survivors of sexual violence bearing the most painful burden. In 2025, the United Nations documented 9,788 cases of CRSV- more than double from last year. Women and girls were the primary targets, while nearly 3,000 cases involved children. These cases are not merely statistics; they are narratives woven with immense courage, heartbreak and strength. Almost a decade at the helm of this mandate marked by multiple field missions and first-hand encounters with survivors of CRSV, one truth stands out: justice is what survivors demand the most and receive the least. Everywhere, survivors have a profound yearning for acknowledgement, accountability and justice. They seek redress for the crimes committed against them as well as recognition of their humanity and resilience.
Your roles as Prosecutors are not merely vital; they are urgent in fulfilling their demand for justice. You are the advocates who can transform their hopes into reality, who can pave the way for accountability in a system that has often failed them. By actively pursuing justice, you empower survivors, restore their dignity and reinforce society鈥檚 commitment to upholding the rule of law. Remember, with each case you prosecute, you are not just seeking justice; you are helping to heal communities and affirming that no one is above the law. Your focus during this conference is not only about understanding the complexities of these crimes and the multiple and multidimensional challenges to their prosecution. It is about making actionable commitments that lead to meaningful change. Both domestic and international practice have shown that even the most progressive legal framework does not lead to accountability for conflict-related sexual violence when it is not translated into practice.
I am delighted that during this conference, you will draw on the experience of prosecutors from across the region and share prosecutorial experience; you will learn from past successes and failures; discuss the existing body of jurisprudence; address some classic challenges such as the lack of prosecutorial prioritization and suitable charging strategies. We know how it is precisely the inaccurate assessment of sexual violence crimes at the charging level that leave these crimes to remain in the shadows. You will also discuss some core principles for prosecution of CRSV cases, including a 鈥渟urvivor-centric focus鈥� – how to ensure victim safety, confidentiality, and participation while avoiding their re-traumatization. The network we launched in March is yours. It will support you in establishing robust connections across legal systems, fostering cooperation among states, civil society and international organizations; it will seek to equip you with the necessary tools, resources and support to hold perpetrators accountable. It will be your space to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative strategies for handling sensitive crimes across jurisdictions. It will ultimately strengthen your collective ability to prosecute CRSV cases and dispel the persistent and widespread myth that these crimes are 鈥渢oo hard鈥� to prove. Justice cannot be fragmented. It must be collective, cohesive and relentless.
With the rich body of jurisprudence that has emerged over the years across the continent, you have a unique opportunity to harness and learn from these emblematic cases. Numerous legal precedents drawn from both national courts and special tribunals demonstrate effective approaches to tackling these complex cases and highlight the importance of victim-centered strategies.
From the conviction of Hiss猫ne Habr茅, the former President of Chad, for crimes against humanity, including rape and sexual slavery, by the Extraordinary African Chambers in Senegal, to the Kavumu case, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where national courts convicted a sitting Provincial parliamentarian and member of his militia, for crimes against humanity for the rape of 37 young girls, some as young as 18 months old. That case established a landmark precedent for the prosecution of conflict-related sexual violence against children, including standards for the protection of child victims. With a culture of impunity particularly entrenched, when it comes to sexual violence against children, as cases are seldom prosecuted, the experience of prosecutors in the Kavumu case is invaluable. It can help address the increase in scale and gravity of sexual violence cases against children globally and the failure of States to prioritise accountability for such crimes against children. Other cases which I have, no doubt, you will discuss include, the conviction in October 2022 by the Special Criminal Court in CAR, of a commander of the 3R militia for rape committed by his subordinates. The first convictions in 2023, by Nigerian courts for crimes of sexual violence as a tactic of terror perpetrated by Boko Haram, equally deserve your attention.
Finally, is the landmark trial and conviction in 2024, of the former President of Guinea and other former government officials for crimes against humanity in connection with the 2009 massacre and mass rape at the Conakry stadium. Although appeals and subsequent proceedings remain ongoing, the case has already sent a powerful signal beyond Guinea鈥檚 borders. These cases underscore the vital role of the dedicated prosecutors, some of whom are present here today, whose relentless pursuit of justice has illuminated the path toward accountability. By standing firm in their commitment to confront impunity, these prosecutors not only bring justice to individual survivors but inspire a culture of accountability that resonates throughout the continent.
By examining and building upon these successful prosecutions, you can adapt best practices to your own contexts, ensuring that you are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to advance justice in your jurisdictions. This collaboration and exchange of experiences will not only enrich your collective understanding but also invigorate your commitment to accountability, allowing you to forge a path forward that is informed by past successes and aligned with the needs of survivors in today鈥檚 conflicts. Nonetheless, these important successes remain ad hoc. The purpose of the CRSV Prosecution Network is to make those successes replicable, so that effective prosecution becomes the norm rather than the exception. In conclusion, let me tell you, esteemed Prosecutors, that you are on the frontline of this battle. Your courage, compassion and commitment are essential in ensuring that justice is not an unattainable ideal but a lived reality for all survivors.
Let us unite in our mission to empower Prosecutors with the tools, training and support they need to eradicate impunity for crimes of CRSV. Let us reaffirm our commitment not only to justice but to a future where human dignity is upheld and where survivors can reclaim their lives with the assurance that their rights will be defended. I urge each one of you to embrace the challenge ahead of us- to build a legacy of accountability that not only seeks justice for past crimes but prevents future atrocities.
Thank you.