International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict2026 · Date · History · Messages · Quotes
A/RES/69/293
About International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict
The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed on 19 June to raise awareness of conflict-related sexual violence, honour victims and survivors, and recognize people working to prevent and respond to these crimes.
The UN framework treats conflict-related sexual violence as a serious protection, human-rights, peace and security issue. Content should remain survivor-centred and should not assume that disclosure, reporting or public identification is safe in every context.
Why International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict matters
The observance focuses specifically on sexual violence connected to armed conflict and related settings. It is distinct from the broader International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November.
A responsible guide should emphasize dignity, consent, confidentiality, competent survivor services and institutional accountability rather than graphic descriptions or instructions to confront alleged perpetrators.
History of International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict
On 19 June 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/69/293 and proclaimed 19 June as the annual International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
The first observance was held on 19 June 2016; United Nations material from that date explicitly marks it as the first International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
The date was chosen to commemorate the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 1820 on 19 June 2008, which condemned sexual violence as a tactic of war and an impediment to peacebuilding.
How the observance developed
This timeline uses documented milestones from reviewed sources. Missing stages are left out rather than guessed.
United Nations General Assembly
UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/69/293
First documented observance
The United Nations Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict marked 19 June 2016 as the first International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
4 fields not established in reviewed sources
How to Observe International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict
Use survivor-centred language and avoid publishing identifying details without informed consent.
Learn how UN peace and security frameworks address conflict-related sexual violence and survivor assistance.
Support competent organizations providing medical, psychosocial, legal or protection services to survivors.
For an immediate safety, medical or legal need, use qualified local services rather than an observance article.
International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict Facts
The day is observed on 19 June.
The UN General Assembly proclaimed it in 2015 through A/RES/69/293.
19 June commemorates Security Council resolution 1820, adopted on 19 June 2008.
The first observance was held on 19 June 2016.
The observance is specifically about conflict-related sexual violence, not all forms of gender-based violence.
International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict Messages
Remembering on International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict means listening carefully, resisting distortion and carrying the lessons of history forward.
On International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, may memory lead to responsibility, empathy and thoughtful action.
May this International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict honour those at its heart through sincere remembrance rather than empty words.
On International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we remember with dignity and make space for the people, families and communities whose experiences must not be forgotten.
May International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict be marked with reflection, respect and a renewed commitment to protect human dignity.
International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict Quotes
“Sexual violence against children is a deliberate strategy, used to punish communities and fracture social bonds.”
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
- Remembrance Civic Context Care.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
United Nations Security Council — Resolution 1820 (2008) (opens in a new tab)
United Nations — first International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, 19 June 2016 (opens in a new tab)
United Nations — International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict (opens in a new tab)
United Nations — List of International Days and Weeks (opens in a new tab)
United Nations — Observances: who chooses them and how (opens in a new tab)
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict?
19 June The documented recurrence rule is: 19 June.
Does International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict fall on the same date every year?
Yes. It uses a fixed annual date unless stronger evidence changes the pattern.
Is International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict an official public holiday?
The reviewed sources verify it within this scope: United Nations / international observance. That recognition does not by itself make it a statutory public holiday; the site only makes public-holiday claims when reliable evidence explicitly does so.
Who established or recognizes International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict?
The reviewed sources identify United Nations General Assembly as the proclaiming or establishing body.
Is International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict international or country-specific?
The documented scope is international or global: United Nations / international observance. That does not mean every country treats the date as a public holiday or observes it in the same way.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-09-05.
Why is the day observed on 19 June?
The date commemorates the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 1820 on 19 June 2008.
When did the UN create this observance?
The UN General Assembly proclaimed the annual day in 2015 through resolution A/RES/69/293.
Is it the same as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women?
No. The 19 June observance specifically concerns sexual violence in conflict, while the 25 November observance addresses violence against women more broadly.
How this differs from closely related observances
These distinctions use the cited evidence to clarify scope without treating related observances as identical.
Is International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict the same as International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women?
The 19 June observance specifically addresses conflict-related sexual violence and its peace, security and protection dimensions. The 25 November observance addresses violence against women much more broadly across settings and forms of violence.
Open International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women →Distinction sources
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