UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s newly appointed Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict has promised a more effective battle against mass rape.

Citing recent mass rapes in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Margot Wallstrom, a Swedish politician with a long history in defending women’s rights, has said that ending sexual violence in conflict situations remains a top priority.

She said: “Sexual violence against women is not cultural, it’s criminal. It’s not a women’s issue, it’s a human rights issue. It’s for both men and women to make sure that women have the right to their body.”

Speaking at a news briefing in New York, she said there was a need to end impunity for rapists in conflict zones.

She said the Secretary-General had specifically called for increased actions by the international community to "prevent violence, to protect individuals, to punish perpetrators, and to provide redress to victims.”

The UN Population Fund reported this week that more than 8,000 women were raped in the DRC during fighting between warring factions last year.

The UN has claimed to be fighting the rape scourge by developing a greater presence on the ground, escorting women going to market or fetching firewood or water, developing early warning systems, and working with local mayors.