Colombian women are treated as "trophies of war"

I cannot believe this is happening in Colombia, think the report "This is what we demand. Justice! Impunity for sexual violence against women in Colombia’s armed conflict"  by Amnesty , and reports how awful these girls and women are being treated!! 

Colombian Women Treated as “Trophies of War” by Warring Parties

Amnesty International reported that government authorities are failing to recognise sexual abuse towards women in Colombia, committed by warring parties.

“This is what we demand. Justice! Impunity for sexual violence against women in Colombia’s armed conflict” is a new report by Amnesty International, highlighting the justice needed for women in Colombia suffering from sexual abuse.

Guerrilla and parliamentary groups are continuing to commit war crimes, including hostage taking and unlawful killings. “Social cleansing” attacks are also happening, as gay and bisexual people are also targeted.

The Director at Amnesty International, Susan Lee, said that women and girls are described as “trophies of war” due to the horrific abuse they face.

“Women are raped and sexually abused by all the warring parties as a way to silence and punish them,” said Ms Lee. “The government has made clear commitments to tackle the human rights crisis but we have yet to see real improvements in bringing to justice those responsible for human rights abuses, such as sexual violence against women.”

The report is full of harrowing true stories from sexually abused survivors and how the non-governmental organisation offered to submit their cases in court, promising them protection.

Parliament officers would abuse them in their homes, believing many of them were hiding information when each one was innocent and most attending secondary school at such a young age.

Many young girls under the age of 18 were sexually abused, resulting in unwanted pregnancies and cases of HIV/AIDS.

A community leader and survivor of a sexual abusive attack spoke out to Amnesty about the trauma girls and women face on a daily basis.

“It doesn’t matter if we are careful, or if we are at risk, or how we dress, they [take us] just because we are women…they made me feel that they had the power to do what they wanted to anyone they wanted,” the anonymous sauce said.

The report recommends that the International Criminal Court needs to date what crimes have taken place, where, and what investigations have been opened for war or humanity crimes, and what their current status is at the moment.

By Bethan Hâf Marsh

[Image courtesy of vasagritarwow]