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U.N. Security Council waters down provisions to eliminate rape in war

Opposition from the U.S., China and Russia forced the removal of measures for investigations and sexual and reproductive health care services for victims.

Congo officers fold their arms as part of a U.N. initiative to "Stop Rape Now" as a tactic of war.
Congo officers fold their arms as part of a U.N. initiative to "Stop Rape Now" as a tactic of war. (AN/MONUSCO)

UNITED NATIONS (AN) — Under pressure from the United States, China and Russia, the U.N. Security Council weakened a resolution to combat rape as a weapon of war by removing measures for investigating crimes and offering victims' services.

U.S. opposition forced the council to water down the annual resolution by deleting a provision to offer sexual and reproductive health care to victims. Though the language mirrored previous resolutions on sexual and reproductive rights, the Trump administration viewed it as tantamount to abortion support.

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