Sir John Sawers must use remaining time at UN to protect women from rape in war zones

16 June 2009

CARE International congratulates Sir John Sawers on his new role at MI6 and wishes him all the best in his career.

We urge him however to use his final months at the UN to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of women in conflict around the world.

Rape continues to be used as a weapon of war, affecting women in conflict everywhere. We want Sir John Sawers to demand that women are protected from some of the most horrific crimes imaginable. He has the opportunity to do this, this summer, when the UN Secretary General reports to the UN Security Council on the implementation of UN resolution 1820, which seeks to protect women from violence and support survivors of sexual violence.  

CARE International wants Resolution 1820 to:

  • Ensure that peacekeepers are given the right training, mandate and capabilities to protect women who live in countries affected by conflict
  • Ensure that funding is sustained to help women cope with the longer-term health and psycho-social consequences of rape
  • Ensure the safety of survivors who take a stand against the perpetrators
  • Ensure support is provided to affected communities to reverse the spread of violence against women

Women around the world need to be protected, and CARE International urges Sir John Sawers to leave a strong legacy and ensure that the UN makes this happen.

About CARE International: CARE is one of the world’s largest aid agencies, working in 70 countries to fight poverty and helping more than 65 million people every year. Our long-term programmes tackle the deep-seated causes of poverty and we are always among the first to respond when disaster strikes. We remain with communities to help them rebuild their lives long after the cameras have gone. For more information, visit www.careinternational.org.uk