The first British royal pays a visit to Ukraine since Russia's invasion began.
The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, wife to Prince Edward and younger sibling to King Charles, journeyed to Ukraine on Monday to showcase her support for those who have endured conflict-related sexual violence and torture, according to the palace's announcement.
Sophie is an advocate for the UK's Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative and the UN's Women, Peace and Security Agenda.
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During her visit, Sophie met with people who have experienced conflict-related sexual violence and children who were allegedly forcibly separated from their families by Russia, the palace informed.
Sophie shared her thoughts, stating, "Survivors here and around the world have spoken out bravely about their experiences. They are the most powerful advocates who remind us all that we must not turn our backs on the horrors of this crime, we must never forget survivors."
"We must stand shoulder to shoulder with all survivors to secure justice and holistic redress, and ensure that this crime isn't an accepted part of conflict," the Duchess added further, highlighting the significance of considering their rights and voices.
The UN's Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict stated in 2022 that Russia employed rape and sexual violence as "a military strategy" in its conflict against Ukraine. CNN could not independently substantiate this claim. Russia has continuously denied allegations of war crimes in Ukraine.
During her visit, Sophie also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in Bucha, a suburb of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, which fell under brief Russian occupation at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Hundreds of civilians — women, children, and the elderly — were killed indiscriminately during this period.
The duchess further engaged with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska, discussing ways to support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and the role of women in ensuring that Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction are effective and sustainable.
Previously, the princess visited countries such as Kosovo, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Colombia, highlighting the results of conflicts on survivors and listening directly to accounts from those impacted by conflict-related sexual violence.
In March of 2023, Prince William traveled to the Ukrainian-Polish border to encounter British and Polish troops and gain insight into their efforts to assist Ukraine.
CNN's Lauren Said-Moorhouse assisted with this report.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
