Speaking in a pre-recorded video for a conference in the war-torn nation, which was invaded by Russian forces two years ago last month, Sophie, 59, highlighted “the most appalling atrocities” suffered by civilians.
He called the sexual violence faced by war victims “pure evil” and urged the world “not to turn its back on the horrors of this crime.”
The clip, in which the solemn duchess is seen giving the speech, was also shared on the Royal Family website. instagram account.
Sophie spoke in her capacity as an advocate for the UK Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative, at the invitation of Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, who recently visited the UK.
The Duchess of Edinburgh has called for an end to conflict-related sexual violence and praised “brave” survivors in Ukraine for sharing their experiences.
She began her speech by expressing gratitude for being able to deliver the message the same week as International Women’s Day, which falls on March 8.
“The magnitude of the challenge presented by conflict-related sexual violence around the world, from Myanmar to Ethiopia, from Colombia to Sudan, the current crisis in the Middle East and Ukraine, both from past and present conflicts, is enormous” said Sophie. ‘Unfortunately, the outlook seems to be getting worse.
‘As we gather here today, thousands of women, men, boys and girls are being subjected to sexual violence to degrade, dominate and destroy them.
‘In Ukraine, surviving men and women have bravely told their experiences of the most appalling atrocities they have suffered since the start of the war in 2022.
“This conference is an important opportunity to ensure that survivors are not forgotten, to highlight their bravery and the need to ensure justice and accountability are respected.”
Sophie also spoke of the “devastation of conflict-related sexual violence”, which is not “limited just to survivors and children born of rape, but is felt by entire families and communities”.
‘The screams of a five-year-old girl clinging to her father at the Panzi hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the kind and gentle doctors were trying to gain enough trust from her to examine her, are etched in my heart, as are the faces and the stories. of the many women who have shared the horrific and graphic accounts of her rape experiences,” she added.
‘And although they, as innocent victims, receive life sentences with devastating psychological and physical consequences, the majority of perpetrators go unpunished.
Sophie spoke in her capacity as an advocate for the UK Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative, at the invitation of Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, who recently visited the UK. Pictured last month
The clip, in which the solemn duchess is seen giving the speech, was also shared on the Royal Family’s Instagram account.
President Volodymyr Zelensky’s wife also said it was a “great privilege” to meet Queen Camilla at Clarence House on her two-day visit to the UK.
‘This must change. Rape requires no training, no arsenal, or financial backing, but it is as devastating as bullets and bombs, not only at the moment of the attack but for the rest of the life of the victim and her family.
“And let’s be clear: It is illegal; in fact, it is pure evil.”
Sophie called on the international community to work harder to “shift blame from the victim/survivor to the perpetrator”, including prosecuting and implementing sanctions.
He also highlighted the importance of supporting survivors.
The Duchess continued: ‘WWhile this jurisprudence is making progress in holding perpetrators accountable in conflict-affected countries, the world needs do much more to recognize that conflict-related sexual violence is a tactic of war and is NOT just a regrettable decline. It can and should be prevented.”
Sophie concluded: ‘His Majesty the King recently said: “Ukrainians continue to display the heroism with which the world so closely associates them.”
‘Her Excellency the First Lady, all the survivors and the women and men helping to end the conflict and build peace here in Ukraine, I am full of admiration for all of you.
‘Survivors here and around the world have spoken very bravely about their experiences.
‘They are the most powerful advocates reminding us all that we must not turn our backs on the horrors of this crime, we must never forget the survivors.
Zelenska also paid tribute to the leadership of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who she said was an example and the “standard of support for Ukraine.”
‘Rather, we must stand shoulder to shoulder with all survivors to ensure justice and comprehensive reparation, and ensure that this crime is not an accepted part of the conflict.
“Their rights and voices must be at the center of all our efforts to relegate conflict-related sexual violence to the history books.”
Over the December festive period, Sophie was a hit with children and adults alike when she volunteered at a Christmas party for Ukrainian refugees.
He cut a casual figure in a black polo-neck jumper as he chatted to families, served food and painted children’s faces at The Lighthouse in Woking, Surrey.
The royal paired her relaxed ensemble with black pants and added a gold chain.
The event featured music by the Ukrainian band Atmasfera, a visit from Sviatyij Mykolai (Saint Nicholas) and a Ukrainian puppeteer.
The charity, of which the Duchess became a patron early last year, hosts a variety of projects in central Woking and Barnsbury to support, encourage and empower those in need.
Zelenska said she was “moved” by the King’s speech and during her 30-minute meeting with the Queen “conveyed our greetings to Her Majesty.” The royal couple photographed in April.
In a message to coincide with the second anniversary of the invasion, King Charles paid tribute to the ‘determination and strength’ of the Ukrainian people
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelenska said this weekend that the Royal Family’s support for her country at war is “really powerful.”
President Volodymyr Zelensky’s wife also said it was a “great privilege” to meet Queen Camilla at Clarence House on her two-day visit to the UK.
‘We really feel the support of the Royal Family and, through them, also the support of the British Nation. I have to thank the British people, we feel their support,” he said in Morgan Springs Uncensored.
Zelenska also paid tribute to the leadership of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who she said was an example and the “standard of support for Ukraine.”
He added: “We really feel the support of the Royal Family and, through them, also the support of the British Nation.” I have to thank the British people, we feel their support.
‘It’s sincere, warm and not just a statement. It’s a sincere and powerful feeling of support, and it really inspires us. Every time I return from London I feel inspired. As if I had a vacation, as if I recharged my batteries, and so once again, thank you.’
During her trip to the UK, Zelenska also met Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty, and Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron.
In his only interview about the visit with Piers Morgan, he admitted the situation was “difficult” and added that it was a “marathon, not a sprint.”
On the second anniversary of Putin’s invasion, King Charles, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, paid tribute to the “determination and strength” of the Ukrainian people.
‘Despite the tremendous hardship and pain inflicted on them, Ukrainians continue to display the heroism with which the world so closely associates them. “His is true courage, in the face of indescribable aggression,” he said in a message last week.
Zelenska said she was “moved” by the King’s speech and during her 30-minute meeting with the Queen “conveyed our greetings to Her Majesty as well and our best wishes for her health from the President of Ukraine and the Ukrainian nation.” .
