In less than two weeks, world leaders, activists, academics, journalists and survivors of sexual violence in conflict will gather in the UK for the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. This event marks the largest gathering on the issue to date, presenting an unprecedented opportunity for the Canadian government to take leadership in the fight to stop the use of rape and gender-based violence in conflict. The Canadian Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict is counting on you to send a strong message to the Government of Canada that the #TimeToAct is now!
The Campaign, an initiative of the Women, Peace and Security Network – Canada, has recently presented its key messages to the Government of Canada calling on the government to:
- Pay sustained, robust attention—and make a long-term commitment to—supporting survivors and ending sexual violence in conflict. Leadership requires resources.
- Create a global fund to support women’s organizations and women’s human rights defenders working generally on women’s rights and specifically on sexual violence.
- Fund the full range of sexual and reproductive health services including regarding pregnancies resulting from rape, without discrimination (as recognized in Security Council Resolution 2122).
- Sign the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).
- Ensure that the commitments made by the Government of Canada through the Canada’s National Action Plan for the Implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security (NAP) be fully implemented, and that women’s organizations in Canada be included as allies in this process.
- Appoint a high-level champion for ending sexual violence in conflict that can liaise between government departments and civil society, and monitor the implementation of the NAP.
As a nation with a legacy of peacekeeping and diplomacy, Canada is expected to be a world leader in the plight to bring an end to this global atrocity. Help us send a strong send a strong message to the Canadian government to turn their commitment into concrete action.
TAKE ACTION:
Use social media to amplify the voices of activists, women’s organizations and survivors who are looking to the Canadian government to align with their efforts.
First, download the digital postcard (if the image opens in a new window, right-click (Windows) or just click and hold (Mac) to download the image).
Then, tweet at the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, or share with your friends on Facebook.
SHARING ON TWITTER
Don’t forget to mention @HonJohnBaird and use the #TimeToAct and #CanadasCommitment hashtags when you tweet the e-post card!
Sample Tweet:
@HonJohnBaird it’s #TimeToAct! What’s #CanadasCommitment to end sexual violence in conflict?
SHARING ON FACEBOOK
Foreign Minister, John Baird has a Facebook page, so feel free to tag him in your post! Don’t forget to use the #TimeToAct and #CanadasCommitment hashtags in your message!
Minister Baird’s Facebook page.
Sample Facebook post:
It’s #TimeToAct! I want Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird to strengthen #CanadasCommitment to ending sexual violence in conflict!
Canada is one of 148 countries to endorse the Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. Now, we have an opportunity to turn international commitments into action! From June 10 – 13, world leaders will gather in London, UK for the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence Conflict. I want John Baird to take concrete action at the summit to help stop rape and gender violence in conflict!
Canada can help stop rape and gender violence in conflict by:
CREATING a global fund for grassroots women’s organizations.
COMMITTING to support for survivors.
FUNDING the full range of sexual & reproductive health services.
SIGNING the Arms Trade Treaty.
Learn more about the Canadian Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict.
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