After reports of 150 people killed and countless women raped during a peaceful protest in the West African country of Guinea, the chief executive of CARE International UK called on world leaders to take immediate steps to break the cycle of sexual violence against women worldwide. The revelation of brutal assaults came the same week as the U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1888 to counter conflict-related sexual violence.

“What happened in Guinea is an outrage - and a stark reminder of a larger epidemic of violence against women and girls around the world,” said Geoffrey Dennis CARE International UK chief executive. “While U.N. Security Council Resolution 1888 is a step forward in the fight to end rape as a weapon of war and conflict, the time for talk is over. We must take action now to put an end to this abuse and humiliation.”Geoffrey Dennis calls on all world leaders to take a firm stand against sexual violence, and urges the international community to immediately implement key measures outlined in Resolution 1888 designed to prevent and respond to violence against girls and women. These include the appointment of a Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General who can help hold government forces and other armed groups accountable for stopping repeated gender-based violence, and providing adequate and appropriate medical, legal and other assistance to survivors.

“What happened in Guinea is an exceptionally visible example of the violence and abuse threatening women all over the world. In Guinea, these rapes and killings took place in a public stadium. In other countries where CARE works - like India, Nepal and Uganda - sexual violence haunts girls and women in more hidden places like homes and schools,” Dennis said. “To stop this vicious cycle, we must empower girls and women and change social norms that fuel violence.”

The rapes in Guinea are part of an international epidemic of violence against women and girls. According to the U.S. Department of State, approximately 1,100 rapes are reported each month in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with an average of 36 women and girls raped every day.

About CARE International: CARE is one of the world’s largest aid agencies, working in 70 countries to fight poverty and helping more than 65 million people every year. Our long-term programmes tackle the deep-seated causes of poverty and we are always among the first to respond when disaster strikes. We remain with communities to help them rebuild their lives long after the cameras have gone. For more information, visit www.careinternational.org.uk

Media Contact:
Deborah Underdown: 020 7934 9417 or underdown@careinternational.org