The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, will this week attend the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, in London.
Natasha Stott Despoja, AM, Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls, will lead Australia’s delegation to the summit. The event is a key element of the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative, of which Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is an official champion.
Lieutenant General Morrison will join the Right Honourable Mr William Hague MP, British Foreign Secretary, Mr John Kerry, United States Secretary of State, and Ms Angelina Jolie, Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, at the UK summit.
It will be the largest international event held on the issue of sexual violence in conflict, and aims to create both an irreversible momentum and practical action that impacts those on the ground.
Lieutenant General Morrison said he was honoured to be invited to attend, and to present at the final plenary session on Friday, 13 June 2014 (London local time).
“As the Chief of Army, I am proud to represent both the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force at this very significant event,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.
“Sexual violence in conflict is in absolute contradiction to the principles of human decency and respect. It goes against everything we, as professional soldiers, are trained to think, value and achieve.
“Sexual violence in conflict is not just a by-product or a weapon of war. It is an act that devalues people and destroys communities.
“Stopping sexual violence in conflict begins at home, by promoting diversity and inclusion in our workplaces and in our communities, as well as in our armed forces.
“We must not accept any act that degrades or dehumanises others,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.
The Summit runs from 10 to 13 June 2014 and will feature international speakers, artwork and films.
Further information is available at; https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/sexual-violence-in-conflict
Media note:
A copy of the Chief of Army’s address to the 13 June 2014 plenary session will be available on www.army.gov.au after 11am on Saturday, 14 June 2014.
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
