Sexual violence is a universal issue that demands international recognition. The United Nations (UN) was founded to protect the equality of all people, regardless of who they are or where they live. According to the World Health Organization, 35% of women on earth - 1.3 billion people - are sexual violence survivors, equivalent to the entire populations of North America and Europe, combined. Rape is an epidemic.
Yet, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) has never passed a resolution focused solely on sexual violence survivors’ rights. Around the world protesters are marching to demand recognition and justice for survivors who are denied basic rights and access to justice. For the first time in history, an UNGA Sexual Violence Survivors’ Rights Resolution would enshrine that survivors’ rights are fundamental human rights.