The International Coercive Control Conference

The 𝘜𝘕 𝘏𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘙𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭 has, for the first time, formally recognised 'reproductive violence' as a distinct form of gender-based violence.

Adopted by consensus during the council's 62nd session, the landmark resolution on protecting the rights of women and girls in humanitarian situations explicitly identifies forced contraception, denial of contraception, forced pregnancy, forced abortion and forced sterilisation as forms of reproductive violence, including when carried out with the intent to destroy a group. The resolution also calls on governments and humanitarian actors to strengthen survivor-centred, accessible and confidential reporting, referral and support services for those affected.

This recognition is significant because naming a form of violence in a UN-negotiated document helps make it visible in international law and policy discussions, paving the way for stronger prevention, accountability and support for survivors in humanitarian and conflict settings.

(reproductive violence, United Nations, Human Rights Council, women's rights, gender-based violence, humanitarian crisis, reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, fyp, explore)