In an important meeting with the Southern District Attorney Adv. Erez Padan and the prosecution team, we presented the report in detail. A key player in leading the legal battle against these heinous crimes, the prosecution is a natural partner in shaping the infrastructure for response, investigation, and documentation both locally and internationally.
During the meeting we held an in-depth discussion on the existing challenges in evidence documentation, especially in complex and trauma-filled crime-combat zones. The importance of developing dedicated tools and processes to handle these situations, with a focus on sexual crimes, was emphasized as part of learning lessons and building systemic preparedness for the future. This approach will enable both a sensitive response to victims and the preservation of evidence in a manner that allows for effective legal handling.
The report presented at the meeting constitutes an ethical and practical foundation that necessitates a unique approach to handling sexual crimes committed as part of an armed conflict. The document embodies principles of action whose adoption could create a significant change in the system’s perception of these crimes, ensuring optimal recognition, response, and justice for them.
We further highlighted the report’s potential to shape national and international policy and expressed hope for continued cooperation with the Southern District Attorney’s Office to promote significant initiatives in this field.
