Just like the destruction of hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure during war, the purpose of sexual violence is also to intimidate and demoralize the population, emphasized Mrs. President Andra Levite, while participating in the international conference “Unified Justice” in Lviv, informed the Press Service of the President’s Chancellery.
Just like the destruction of hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure during war, the purpose of sexual violence is also to intimidate and demoralize the population, emphasized Mrs. President Andra Levite, while participating in the international conference “Unified Justice” in Lviv, informed the Press Service of the President’s Chancellery.
In the discussion about sexual violence as a weapon of war, Levite explained that although sexual violence is mostly experienced by women and girls during war, it is also experienced by men and boys.
She noted that sexual violence can have various consequences on the victim – both short-term and long-term physical consequences, as well as deeply personal ones that can also affect the entire society as a whole.
“The consequences for society after the brutal rape of women can manifest as a loss of interest in civic participation, a loss of creativity and determination in professional life, a loss of energy in raising and educating children. (..) Women who suffer from severe mental health disorders after enduring sexual violence are painfully absent in shaping the nation’s social, cultural and economic future,” Levite explained.
Mrs. President stated that in order for the victims to recover both physically and emotionally, the help of qualified specialists is needed, which should be provided objectively and sensitively. Also, help should be available as soon as possible and should be available near the victim’s place of residence, in the victim’s native language.
She informed that Latvia provides support for both the physical and psychological rehabilitation of victims, paying special attention to women and girls.
“Latvia has established a center in Ivano-Frankivsk, as well as supported the documentation of war crimes and the defense of human rights. Latvia will continue to promote the implementation of the principles of the globally accepted concept “Women, peace and security” both in its country and internationally,” Levite pointed out.
At the same time, the Press Service informs that in her speech, Mrs. President also addressed the topic of deportation and forced Russification of Ukrainian children.
“This is not sexual rape, but it is mental and emotional rape. The Russian authorities should not be so sure that these children will forget their origins. Many neuroscientists believe that early childhood experiences remain in our brains throughout our lives and can be reactivated in unpredictable circumstances. (..) The fate of these Ukrainian children will not be forgotten,” said Levite.
She also emphasized that now the Russians in Ukraine are repeating the same crime they committed in Latvia in 1941 and 1949, when they deported thousands of Latvian children to Siberia.
In the opinion of the President, the war crimes committed by Russian soldiers in Ukraine, including sexual violence, should be brought to national and international courts for trial.
“Victims deserve justice, and victims should not be ashamed of what they have had to experience. On the other hand, perpetrators should be truly afraid of justice and the punishment they deserve,” noted Levite.
The President of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsol, also spoke in the panel discussion together with Leviti.
