This Summit will be the largest international gathering ever held on this issue.

All of the 144 governments that have endorsed the UN Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict (including Australia) are invited, as well as legal, military and judicial practitioners and representatives from multilateral organisations, NGOs and civil society.

The Summit is expected to translate the Declaration’s political commitments into a program of practical action that delivers real progress on the ground in the fight against sexual violence in conflict. It aims to develop a set of practical agreements that bring together and focus the efforts of the whole international community, including governments, the UN and other multilateral organisations, NGOs and civil society in a program for change that supports wider efforts to address current and active conflict situations around the world.

The Summit will focus on five thematic outcomes as well as country-led and multilateral initiatives as follows: International Protocol, Legal Reform, Human Rights Defenders, Humanitarian Protection and Support for Survivors, Enhancing Military Capabilities, Country-owned Action Plans and Multilateral initiatives.

The United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary William Hague will co-host the Summit along with Special Envoy for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Angelina Jolie.

Day 1 (10 June) will be Youth focused; Day 2 (11 June) is aimed at Experts and Officials; and Days 3 and 4 (12-13 June) will be Ministerial-led sessions. The Summit will end at lunchtime on Friday 13 June. NGOs and civil society will be invited to participate actively throughout these discussions. The Summit ‘Fringe’ is open to the public on Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12.