Duchess of Edinburgh praises ‘brave’ survivors of conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine as she urges the world ‘not to turn our backs on the horrors of this crime’

In a pre-recorded video for a conference in the war-torn country, which was invaded by Russian forces two years ago last month, 59-year-old Sophie highlighted “the most horrific atrocities” suffered by civilians.

She branded the sexual violence suffered by war victims as “pure evil” as she urged the world “not to turn its back on the horrors of this crime.”

The clip, which shows the solemn Duchess giving the speech, was also shared on the Royal Family Instagram account.

Sophie was speaking in her capacity as a campaigner for the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative, at the invitation of Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, who recently visited Britain.

She started her speech by expressing gratitude for being able to deliver the message in the same week as International Women’s Day, which falls on March 8.

“The scale of the challenge posed by conflict-related sexual violence around the world, from Myanmar to Ethiopia, from Colombia to Sudan, the current crisis in the Middle East to Ukraine, from both past and present conflicts, is enormous,” Sophie said. ‘Unfortunately the landscape seems to be getting worse and worse.

“As we gather here today, thousands of women, men, boys and girls are being subjected to sexual violence to humiliate, dominate and destroy.

“In Ukraine, female and male survivors have bravely spoken about their experiences of the most horrific atrocities they have endured since the war began in 2022.

“This conference is an important opportunity to ensure these survivors are not forgotten, to shine a spotlight on their bravery and the need to ensure justice and accountability are upheld.”

Sophie also spoke of the “devastation of conflict-related sexual violence,” which is not “just limited to survivors and children born of rape, but is felt by families and entire communities alike.”

‘The screams of a five-year-old girl clinging to her father in Panzi Hospital, DRC, where the kind and gentle medics tried to gain enough trust from her to examine her, are etched in my heart, as are the faces and stories from the many women who have shared the horrific and harrowing stories of their rape experiences,” she added.

“And while they, as innocent victims, receive life sentences with continued devastating psychological and physical consequences, the majority of perpetrators remain unpunished.

Sophie was speaking in her capacity as a campaigner for the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative, at the invitation of Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, who recently visited Britain. Pictured last month

The clip, which shows the solemn Duchess delivering the speech, was also shared on the royal family’s Instagram account

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s wife also said it was a “great privilege” to meet Queen Camilla at Clarence House during her two-day visit to Britain.

‘This has to change. Rape requires no training, no armor, no financial support, but is as devastating as bullets and bombs, not only during the immediate attack, but also for the rest of the life of the victim and his family.

“And let’s be clear: it’s illegal, it’s in fact pure evil.”

Sophie called on the international community to work harder to “shift the blame from the victim/survivor to the perpetrator,” including prosecution and implementation of sanctions.

She also emphasized the importance of supporting survivors.

The Duchess continued, “Wbring on this case law is developing in holding perpetrators accountable in conflict-affected countries, the world must do the same do much more to recognize that conflict-related sexual violence is a war tactic and NOT just an unfortunate victim. It can and must be prevented.’

Sophie concluded: ‘His Majesty the King recently said: “Ukrainians continue to demonstrate the heroism with which the world so closely associates them.”

“Your Excellency the First Lady, all the survivors and the women and men who are helping to end conflict and build peace here in Ukraine, I am full of admiration for all of you.

“Survivors here and around the world have spoken out so courageously 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 and that we must never forget the survivors.

Ms. Zelenska also paid tribute to the leadership of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who she said set an example and set the “standard of support for Ukraine.”

“Instead, we must stand shoulder to shoulder with all survivors to secure justice and holistic redress, and ensure that this crime does not become an accepted part of the conflict.

“Their rights and their voices must be at the heart of all our efforts to consign conflict-related sexual violence to the history books.”

Over the December holidays, Sophie was a hit with children and adults alike when she volunteered at a Christmas party for Ukrainian refugees.

She cut a casual figure in a black turtleneck as she chatted to families, served food and painted children’s faces at The Lighthouse in Woking, Surrey.

The royal teamed her relaxed ensemble with black trousers and added a gold chain.

The event included music from the Ukrainian band Atmasfera, a visit from Sviatyij Mykolai (Sinterklaas) and a Ukrainian puppeteer.

The charity, of which the Duchess became a patron earlier last year, runs a range of projects in central Woking and Barnsbury to support, encourage and empower those in need.

Ms Zelenska said she was “moved” by the King’s speech and during her 30-minute meeting with the Queen she “passed on our greetings to His Majesty”. The royal couple pictured in April

In a message coinciding with the second anniversary of the invasion, King Charles paid tribute to the “determination and strength” of the Ukrainian people

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelenska said this weekend that the royal family’s support for her country at war is “really powerful.”

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s wife also said it was a “great privilege” to meet Queen Camilla at Clarence House during her two-day visit to Britain.

‘We really feel the support of the Royal Family and through them the support of the British nation. I must thank the British people, we feel your support,” she further said Piers Morgan uncensored.

Ms. Zelenska also paid tribute to the leadership of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who she said set an example and set the “standard of support for Ukraine.”

She added: ‘We really feel the support of the Royal Family and through them the support of the British nation. I must thank the British people, we feel your support.

‘It’s sincere, it’s warm and it’s not just a statement. It’s a feeling of genuine and powerful support, and it really inspires us. Every time I come back from London I feel inspired. Just like I’ve had a holiday, like I’ve recharged my batteries, and so thank you again.’

During her trip to Britain, Ms Zelenska also met Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty, and Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron.

In her only interview about the visit to Piers Morgan, she admitted the situation was ‘difficult’, adding that it was a ‘marathon, not a sprint’.

On the second anniversary of Putin’s invasion, King Charles, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, paid tribute to the “determination and strength” of the Ukrainian people.

“Despite the tremendous hardship and pain inflicted on them, Ukrainians continue to demonstrate the heroism with which the world so closely associates them. They have real courage, despite indescribable aggression,” he said in a message last week.

Ms Zelenska said she was “moved” by the King’s speech and during her 30-minute meeting with the Queen she also “conveyed our greetings to His Majesty and our best wishes for his health from the President of Ukraine and from the Ukrainian nation’ .