This policy brief from the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (OSRSG-SVC) examines how the COVID-19 pandemic affects the prevention of and response to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).
It explores the impact of the pandemic on monitoring and reporting, survivor services, access to justice, accountability mechanisms, displacement settings, risks of sexual exploitation and abuse, harmful practices such as child and forced marriage, and conflict dynamics. The brief highlights practical recommendations for governments, humanitarian actors, peace operations, and international partners to ensure that protection, survivor support, and accountability remain central to crisis response efforts.