International Conference on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence: “Advancing Rights, Changing Lives”
To mark its 25th anniversary, KRCT organized the International Conference on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, gathering survivors, institutional representatives, civil society organizations, and international experts. The conference served as a critical platform for addressing justice, rehabilitation, and survivor-centered policies, fostering essential discussions on strengthening support mechanisms and ensuring accountability for conflict-related sexual violence.
The event featured several key panel discussions, each tackling crucial aspects of survivor rights and transitional justice:
Survivor Engagement: Challenges in Post-Conflict Societies
This panel underscored the importance of survivor-led initiatives and their role in shaping policies and public awareness. Key topics included stigma, trauma, re-traumatization, access to justice, and the need for long-term psychological and legal support. The discussion also highlighted success stories of survivor-led movements, demonstrating their impact on policy and community-building.
Comprehensive Care for Survivors: Best Practices in Support Systems
Panelists explored integrated approaches to psychosocial, medical, economic, and legal assistance for survivors. Discussions focused on multidisciplinary rehabilitation models, access to healthcare, and economic empowerment, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care and sustainable support structures that help survivors regain independence and stability.
Collaboration Between Civil Society and Institutions: Addressing Survivors’ Needs
This discussion focused on the partnership between institutions and civil society organizations in supporting survivors. The conversation highlighted policy gaps, funding sustainability, and the effectiveness of survivor-centered approaches. Panelists stressed the importance of better coordination between legal, healthcare, and social services to provide comprehensive support.
Pathways to Justice and Accountability: Overcoming Legal Barriers
The panel examined the challenges in prosecuting sexual violence as a war crime, addressing barriers to justice, accountability gaps, and the need for survivor-sensitive legal frameworks. Discussions explored the role of international legal standards, the impact of landmark cases, and strategies to improve survivors’ access to justice.
Media, Art, and Public Discourse: The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy
This panel focused on how journalism, media, and art contribute to breaking stigma, raising awareness, and amplifying survivor voices. Discussions covered ethical storytelling, survivor-centered reporting, and the use of creative expression as a tool for healing and advocacy.
Commitment to Justice and Healing
This conference was more than a reflection on KRCT’s 25-year journey—it was a call to action for policymakers, civil society, and global partners to strengthen survivor rights, ensure reparations, and build a future where conflict-related sexual violence is prevented, and justice is served. KRCT remains steadfast in its mission to advance rights, provide healing, and empower survivors. The work continues, and survivor voices will always be at the center of this fight.
