How we work

Recognising the lack of a comprehensive catalogue and accounting of reparation practices around the world, the Global Survivors Fund (GSF) has undertaken a global study on reparation for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. 

This Global Reparations Study focuses on the status of and opportunities for reparation for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence across 25 countries, with each country having its own report.

Each study makes recommendations on further action according to the rights and needs of survivors as identified by survivors in that country.  They bring together multiple authors or contributors, so that to date, we have worked with more than 40 local and international partners, survivors’ networks, and groups. These studies have involved more than 1000 survivors as participants.

Our methodology places survivors at the centre of the process. In doing so, every study represents findings according to in-depth dialogues with survivors. Their views and perceptions about reparations inform the contextualised recommendations found in each report. 

The outcomes of the studies are then used to inform governments on the actions necessary to meet their obligation to award reparations. The studies serve as an advocacy tool for a multitude of stakeholders, including GSF.

We produced preliminary findings on the opportunity for reparation in 16 countries that were presented during a High-Level side event organised during the 76th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 2021.  This event was co-organised with the UN Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and the Governments of France, Japan, Korea, and the United Kingdom.

What became clear, even in these initial findings, is that reparation is needed from the moment a person has been subjected to sexual violence in conflict. Waiting until the end of the conflict, the closing of aid delivery, the development of a transitional justice process, or the verdict of a legal case is not an option if meaningful and comprehensive reparation is to be made. 

Also made plain, is that only those who have suffered conflict-related sexual violence truly know what they have suffered and what they need. Reparation programmes must be co-created with survivors to ensure they are fit for purpose and allow survivors to move forward, reclaim their dignity, and rebuild their lives. Our role is to facilitate this right to reparation, taking every opportunity to create spaces for survivors to have ownership of processes that are reparative and inclusive.