India, Aug. 18 -- Sexual violence in conflict zones rose sharply in 2024, increasing by a quarter compared to the previous year, according to a new UN report. More than 4,600 survivors endured abuses used as weapons of war, torture, terrorism and political repression.
According to the annual Report of the Secretary-General on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, both State and non-State actors were responsible for violations in 21 countries, with the highest numbers recorded in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Somalia and South Sudan.
Women and girls made up 92 per cent of victims, but men, boys, people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, racial and ethnic minorities - together wi...