On July 8, 2026, the UN Security Council convened an open debate focused on sexual violence in conflict zones. The session highlighted the ongoing reports of warring parties employing rape as a weapon, acts that are recognized as war crimes under international law. The debate aimed to honor the commitment of international law to protect survivors of such violence and to bring global attention to these grave violations.

The Security Council's discussion comes amid increasing evidence of sexual violence being used systematically in conflicts worldwide. The Council emphasized the need for accountability and reinforced the legal frameworks designed to support survivors and prosecute perpetrators.

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