The United Nations Security Council is set to convene an annual open debate on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) on July 8, addressing a sharp rise in verified incidents. According to the UN, verified cases of CRSV surged to 9,788 in 2025, more than double the 4,617 cases recorded in 2024. The meeting, chaired by Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, aims to bridge the gap between international legal promises and the reality faced by survivors in conflict zones.
Why are CRSV cases rising despite international condemnation?
The latest UN data indicates that CRSV is used as a tactic of war, terror, and political repression. Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten reports that incidents affect individuals aged one to 70. Armed groups are utilizing abduction and trafficking to sustain war economies and maintain territorial control. Furthermore, the proliferation of small arms has facilitated and fuelled these acts of extreme physical violence. According to the UN, LGBTQI+ individuals and those in detention settings remain at acute risk, yet monitoring and verification efforts are hampered by growing insecurity and limited access to conflict sites.
Only nine of the 21 conflict situations currently covered by the UN Secretary-General’s report have dedicated Women’s Protection Advisers (WPAs) on the ground, leaving a significant gap in reporting and survivor support.
How does the Security Council plan to strengthen accountability?
The DRC’s concept note for the debate suggests that the Security Council must move toward concrete action. Proposals include a more consistent application of targeted sanctions against perpetrators listed in the Secretary-General’s annual report. This year’s annex lists several new entities, including Israeli and Russian armed and security forces, alongside non-state actors in the DRC such as Wazalendo and the Mai-Mai. While Russia and Israel have criticized their inclusion, many Council members are pushing to make sexual violence a standalone criterion for sanctions to ensure perpetrators face direct consequences.
Comparison: Current vs. Prior Reporting
| Metric | 2024 Data | 2025 Data |
|---|---|---|
| UN-Verified CRSV Cases | 4,617 | 9,788 |
What role do survivors play in future policy?
The open debate seeks to transition toward a survivor-centered approach. The concept note emphasizes that survivors should be full partners in developing solutions and influencing decision-making processes. A civil society briefer is expected to highlight the crisis in Haiti, where 1,668 women and 187 girls were verified as victims of CRSV in 2025. The briefer will likely advocate for the deployment of WPAs to the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and the importance of guaranteeing sexual and reproductive health rights for those affected.
To understand the nuances of international accountability, researchers should monitor the UN Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, which launched the CRSV Prosecution Network in March to assist national judges and investigators.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the primary goal of the July 8 Security Council debate?
The debate focuses on honoring international law promises to survivors, improving accountability for perpetrators, and identifying strategies to ensure survivor leadership in policymaking. - Which new actors were added to the UN’s CRSV “list of shame” this year?
The 2025 report includes the Israeli armed and security forces, the Russian armed and security forces, and three DRC-based non-state actors: Wazalendo, Forces nationales de Libération, and Mai-Mai. - Why is the UN concerned about peace operation drawdowns?
The UN warns that reducing mission capacity often creates protection gaps, leaving local actors without the necessary resources to mitigate sexual violence risks during transitions.
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