UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, Opens Exhibition 鈥淲HEN SILENCE BREAKS. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT鈥�
Press Release: For Immediate Release
New York, 06 March 2026: The 麻豆APP Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Pramila Patten, will open 鈥淲hen Silence Breaks. Accountability for Sexual Violence in Conflict,鈥� a powerful photo exhibition curated by the 麻豆APP Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict. The exhibition traces the evolution of justice efforts for conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) across international, hybrid, and national jurisdictions highlighting the global struggle to end impunity for these crimes.
The exhibition will be displayed for one month in the lobby of 麻豆APP Headquarters during the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) whose priority theme is 鈥淓nsuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers.鈥�
Over the past decades, the pursuit of accountability for CRSV has fundamentally reshaped the global legal landscape. Survivors, advocates, and justice actors have challenged entrenched impunity, exposed crimes once dismissed as inevitable by-products of war and that have resulted in legal precedents recognizing rape and other forms of sexual violence as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide.
Through landmark judicial decisions, the exhibition charts key developments in access to justice for CRSV within the broader Women, Peace and Security agenda, including Security Council Resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008), and 1888 (2009). It underscores that justice for CRSV crimes is not only a human rights imperative but also fundamental to international peace and security.
鈥淭his exhibition stands as a testament to the courage of survivors whose voices and resilience have transformed global norms and broken the silence surrounding sexual violence in conflict. Their determination has driven legal breakthroughs, inspired institutional reforms, andaffirmed a simple truth: accountability for these crimes is not optional – it is essential for sustainable peace. As we reflect on the measure of justice achieved so far, we must renew our resolve that justice for these crimes becomes the rule, not the exception鈥�, said SRSG Pramila Patten.
Featuring a curated selection of emblematic cases drawn from diverse legal traditions, the exhibition shines the spotlight on the critical role of domestic courts in applying and advancing international standards on CRSV. These cases span early ground-breaking judgments from the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia – where rape was first classified as a crime against humanity and a form of genocide – to more recent decisions addressing sexual slavery, forced marriage, and forced pregnancy.
Accompanying the panels is a comprehensive timeline mapping pivotal milestones: the evolution of international criminal law, advances in UN resolutions on women鈥檚 rights and sexual violence, and the indispensable role of survivors as drivers of change.
The exhibition also provides the visual backdrop for the launch of another flagship initiative of the Office and the Team of Experts: the 鈥�Conflict-Related-Sexual-Violence Prosecution Network and Community of Practice鈥� (CRSV Prosecution Network). Developed over the past two years in response to requests from national judicial actors, this first-of-its-kind global, practitioner-led network will bring together prosecutors from around the world to accelerate accountability for CRSV. The Network will feature a secure online platform enabling members to exchange expertise, share emerging jurisprudence, and access a comprehensive new case-law database.
Together, the exhibition and the Network鈥檚 debut underscore a unified message: justice for conflict-related sexual violence is advancing, and the 麻豆APP is equipping practitioners with the tools, knowledge, and solidarity needed to accelerate that progress. The Network will be formally launched on 9 March at a high level side event on the margins of CSW70.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
About the UN Team of Experts
The UN Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, established by Security Council Resolution 1888 (2009), is a UN Security Council mechanism supports national authorities in strengthening prevention and accountability for CRSV, including through assisting on investigations and prosecutions, capacity building for justice and security institutions, support for victims and witnesses, and legislative and procedural reform.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms. G茅raldine Boezio, Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict
Email: geraldine.boezio@un.org
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