大象传媒

In Ukraine, human rights activists and law enforcement agencies estimate hundreds of cases have been committed not just against women and girls but also against men and boys.

Nadia Murad, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Goodwill Ambassador, has just visited Ukraine where she was invited to advise on how to support women and girls who have survived sexual assault by Russian soldiers.

She says, rape and sexual violence must be treated as a "war crime" and not just a "side-effect of war":

"One of the first things is accountability. It's not difficult to bring perpetrators to justice specially when you have all the evidence, but what is difficult is to find the political will to hold them accountable." she says.

"Reparations are really important for survivors to be able to move forward and rebuild their lives...reparations could mean psychological support, shelter, cash or any support." she says.

"It's important anyone who is working with survivors to make sure that they do not retraumatise them, to give them them privacy they need, and the time they need and to make sure their interviews are survivor-centric. So that's how we can help them."

(Photo: Hundreds of local Ukrainian diaspora members, activists and supporters took part in Walk For Ukraine rally on White Avenue, in Edmonton, Canada, 8 May, 2022. Credit: Artur Widak/Getty Images)

Show less