Conference on sexual violence opens in Geneva

UNHCR has brought together more than 130 U.N. officials, experts, NGO workers and refugee victims of sexual violence to discuss the issue of gender-based violence during a three-day conference in Geneva's International Conference Centre at Rue de Varembé (Salle 3). U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, is expected to address the meeting at 17:30 CET today, Tuesday. The conference - funded by the Turner Foundation and the U.S. Department of State - is the largest recent gathering of experts on sexual violence and ways to stop it and prevent it. Sexual violence against refugees, especially women and girls, has been a major issue in many parts of the world.