Stand With Us

UN Action’s STOP RAPE NOW global campaign was launched as soon as we were created in 2007. With this campaign, we elevated sexual violence to a place on the international peace and security agenda, sending the message that conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is not just a gender or developmental issue, but also a war tactic and illicit means of attaining military, political, and economic ends. We build our advocacy on the foundation of international humanitarian law and international criminal law and the series of UN Security Council resolutions since then demonstrate the impact of our calls to action.

Our original campaign was taken to the general public under the banner “Get Cross! Stop Rape Now!” with the aim to build a vocal, visible constituency for an issue that has been called ‘history’s greatest silence’ and ‘the world’s least condemned war crime’. UN Action was supported by UN public figures like former Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, global champions against CRSV like Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, and Goodwill Ambassadors and high-profile advocates such as Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron. We cross our arms to signal that CRSV must end and that we stand in solidarity with survivors everywhere. You can watch videos from this campaign here.

Today, our work continues to build on the momentum kicked off by this campaign. Our crossed-arms symbol is still recognised by survivors of CRSV and community members as a symbol that UN Action is paying attention and will only stop when sexual violence is no longer used as a weapon of war.  Contact our team today to discuss how you can partner with us to serve those most vulnerable to this heinous crime.