The UK has announced a new set of sanctions meant to bring justice to victims of sexual violence in conflict by punishing offenders as prescribed in the new rules. The announcement comes on a day when the world is marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
The Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, Lord Tariq Ahmad, announced this on Monday. While speaking on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ahmad said that the sanctions provided for the freezing of the assets of offenders and banning them from entering the UK.
According to a press brief released by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, “an asset freeze prevents any UK citizen, or any business in the UK, from dealing with any funds or economic resources that are owned, held, or controlled by the designated person. While a travel ban means that the designated person is refused leave to enter or to remain in the United Kingdom,”
Ahmad believes that these measures will help strengthen the hope of survivors, ensure solidarity, and condemn such inhuman actions.
“Threats of sexual violence as a weapon in conflict must stop, and survivors must be supported to come forward. These sanctions send a clear signal to perpetrators that the UK will hold you accountable for your horrendous crimes,” Ahmad said.
Though these rules are new, the UK has always been an advocate against sexual violence in conflict.
Last year, the UK sanctioned about 15 people, of whom 13 were punished for sexual violence in conflict.
An early application of the new rules will involve the sanctioning of Abdel Karim Mahmoud Ibrahim, the Chief of the General Staff of the Syrian Army and Armed Forces. Gen. Mahmoud Ibrahim is accused of a “systematic use of rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence.”
Also on the list are Ali Mahmoud Abbas, the Syrian Minister of Defense; Désiré Londroma Ndjukpa, the leader of the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO-URDPC); and William Yakutumba, the leader of the armed Mai-Mai Yakutumba rebel group.
In November 2022, at a conference on the “Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative”, the UK indicated its desire to commit to the prevention of sexual violence in conflict. It agreed to vigorously pursue cases of sexual violence in conflict and address them.
