On 25 March 2025, H.R.H. The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg addressed the Hemicycle at the 48th session of the Congress, highlighting the crucial work of Stand Speak Rise Up!, an association she founded in 2018 to support survivors of sexual violence in conflict zones. Accompanied by her advisor and co-founder, Chékéba Hachemi, the Grand Duchess reaffirmed her deep commitment to amplifying the voices of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. She recalled the 2019 international forum in Luxembourg, where 50 survivors courageously shared their harrowing experiences.
“I wish to defend a cause that no one wants to defend,” she declared in a video presented at the Hemicycle, calling for continued global action against rape as a weapon of war. In her discussion with Chékéba Hachemi, she added, “One cannot be credible if one does not work in the field. That is why we work with the survivors.” The Grand Duchess emphasized the importance of libérer la parole (freeing the voices), reasserting the association’s priority of ensuring that victims voices are heard.
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