The Prosecutor International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda has called for the elimination of violence against women and children.
Bensouda made this call on the occasion of this year’s Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
In a statement released by the ICC, she said “women and girls around the world continue to be the victims of unspeakable crimes, from sexual and gender-based violence to harassment, human trafficking, child marriages, and being forced to serve as child soldiers.
“Despite progress made in the fight against impunity for such crimes, they remain prevalent. These are crimes that have traditionally gone un-reported and un-punished for too long.
“Their impact on women and girl victims is profound, with sometimes irreversible physical and mental repercussions. The suffering is also extended to their families and communities.
She stated that this annual commemoration offers the international community writ large an opportunity to take stock of the progress made, but also the hurdles and challenges that still stand in the way and which must be addressed.
“My Office will continue to exert all efforts to meet challenges and ensure a measure of justice for the victims of these crimes.
“Together, with the competent authorities at the national level, we can and must close the impunity gap for violence against women and children, each within our respective complementary mandates. She added
In the 21st century, violence against women and children is still a stain on our humanity; it must be eliminated for good.