‘My rape matters, my body matters’: On Friday, rape victims sent a high-profile statement to the UN, where the General Assembly passed a landmark resolution on access to justice for those who have been sexually assaulted.

In a resolution adopted by consensus, the General Assembly “urges States to take effective measures, within the framework of national legislation and in accordance with international law, to provide victims of sexual violence with access to justice, remedies and assistance.”

The resolution, which was greeted with applause, emphasizes the importance for victims of “quick and unimpeded access” to justice, the need to “strengthen” international cooperation and protect women’s rights.

Amanda Nguyen, founder of Rise, an NGO that fights to make the voices of “1.3 billion victims of sexual violence around the world” heard, spoke about the “historic” decision, speaking to the French Agency (AFP).

“I wanted to be an astronaut, I didn’t want to be an activist. But here I am… just like the clothes I was wearing when I was raped, which are on display here,” Amanda, 30, added, referring to the exhibition titled “What were you wearing?” at the UN headquarters, the purpose of which was to condemn the stigmatization of victims of sexual violence by part of the public opinion.

While the UN resolution is considered “symbolic in nature”, for Amanda Nguyen it represents progress. “We say that rape matters to us, and you have to admit it,” she emphasizes.

Supporters of the resolution hoped that it would be adopted without a “shadow” of reservations from member states. Nigeria, with the support of other countries including Egypt, Malaysia and Iran, has attempted to amend. However, all of the amendments — removing references to domestic sexual violence, gender-based violence, or even access to contraceptives — were rejected.

^{Sources: AFP, APE-MPE.}