Sexual violence against women and girls, boys and men is a grave violation of human rights and international humanitarian law, the European Union said on Tuesday.

The message was contained in a joint statement on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict by Federica Mogherini, High Representative/Vice-President, Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Neven Mimica, Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Christos Stylianides, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, and Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality.

"Sexual violence against women and girls, boys and men is a despicable crime, and even more so when it occurs in situations of conflict, or as a tactic of war. It is a grave violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. For this reason, the European Union always has and will continue to condemn and fight sexual violence in conflict with the strongest commitment,” partly reads the statement.

The group said all survivors must be guaranteed access to comprehensive psychological and health care services, as well as justice and reparations. “We expect all states to conduct effective investigation of those crimes, to bring perpetrators to justice and to ensure accountability for past crimes, also to prevent future atrocities,” it added.

The European Union said children born following wartime rape and their mothers need to be protected and granted rights, as they often face exclusion and stigmatisation from their own communities and families. We should never forget those victims of war and stand in full support with them.

The EU further said it has been working hand in hand with its Member States, international partners, and civil society to enshrine the respect of fundamental human rights in peacebuilding efforts worldwide.

“We cannot be passive witness of crimes having such deep and long-term consequences on human beings, communities and entire societies. We will continue investing in raising awareness, while building more equal, educated and respectful societies within and outside our borders. This is and will stay at the core of the EU institutions and with partners around the world. We are fully determined to continue taking concrete actions to prevent and eliminate sexual and gender-based violence, in times of peace or conflict."

Separately, the German Ambassador to South Sudan Jan Hendrik van Thiel voiced his deep disappointment at the “Ongoing violence in the country despite the Cessation of hostilities agreement of December 2017 and the IGAD lead peace process.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the German Ambassador condemned in the strongest terms systematic violence against civilians in the ongoing conflict, including the widespread use of sexual violence as a tactic of war.