UN welcomes creation of UK team to combat sexual violence in conflict
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An initiative by the government of the United Kingdom to help combat sexual violence in conflict areas has been welcomed by a top United Nations official.
The UK government announced on Tuesday that it is creating a special rapid deployment unit to collect evidence on suspected sexual violence perpetrated in areas of conflict.
Margot Wallström, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, said prosecution of perpetrators of sexual violence can help to prevent these crimes.
"The UK has wanted to contribute to fighting impunity by offering experts that can, for example, do investigation and follow up on legal issues. So in the fighting against impunity, I think this is a good contribution. We already have a team of experts that we have deployed in a number of situations and if the UK through this group of experts can complement their work, I think it's very welcome."
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Ms. Wallström also welcomed the announcement that the United Kingdom intends to use is presidency of the Group of 8 major industrialized countries to draw attention to the issue.
Filed under Today's News.
