On the solemn occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, Vice President Harris reiterated the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to addressing the global scourge of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). In a White House event laden with conviction and compassion, the Vice President called for international cooperation to tackle this issue head-on, declaring it essential for global peace and stability. Harris, leveraging her prosecutorial background, aims to shine a relentless light on CRSV, underscoring her long-standing advocacy for survivors and the advancement of women.

The administration's multi-faceted approach was further unveiled today with the launch of the Dignity in Documentation Initiative. Reflecting a robust $10 million commitment from the U.S. Department of State, this new venture supports the pursuit of justice by aiding survivor-led efforts to document CRSV. The initiative aligns with the Murad Code—a humanitarian standard crafted by Nobel Laureate Nadia Murad, herself a survivor—ensuring that the harrowing truths of these atrocities are captured with both precision and compassion.

Addressing the specific needs of survivors in Ukraine, the U.S. has propelled a $4 million project forward, offering crucial support services ranging from psycho-social aid to comprehensive survivor-centered care. According to a White House statement, this engagement extends to bolstering Ukraine's judicial capabilities, equipping the nation to hold perpetrators accountable through strategic collaborations with international partners like the U.S.-UK-EU Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group.

In addition to advancing survivor support systems, the Administration is tackling the issue of accountability with tactical precision by imposing sanctions. In a historical turn of events, the White House has systematically sanctioned individuals across various nations for their involvement in CRSV. This strong stance encompasses a range of punitive measures against military officials, armed rebels, and gang leaders known for perpetuating sexual violence. In one of the most comprehensive sanction drives to date, the administration, as of December 2023, has meted out financial and visa restrictions to thirteen individuals across four nations linked to acts of sexual violence.

To further suppress the dark tide of CRSV, the Administration is backing United Nations efforts with considerable financial investment, strengthening both leadership structures and prevention strategies worldwide. Amidst these strides, stands the recently passed UN Security Council Resolution 2734—a policy influenced by the United States—which, for the first time, acknowledges acts of sexual and gender-based violence as valid criteria for sanction designation under powerful international frameworks combating terrorism.

The intersection of gender dynamics in conflict requires a nuanced understanding and response. Hence, the White House-led Atrocity Prevention Task Force underscores the importance of incorporating gender and GBV perspectives into atrocity risk assessments. This inclusion manifests in refined prevention toolkits, highlighting the Biden-Harris Administration's comprehensive blueprint to prevent, document, support, and respond to the haunting realities of CRSV—a testament to their unwavering commitment to restoring dignity and justice to those most affected by the turmoil of war.