What Do They Expect To Achieve?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/democraticrepublicofcongo/9951758/William-Hague-and-Angelina-Jolie-join-forces-for-anti-rape-drive.html

Wouldn't William Hague and others be better employed addressing rapes carried out in their own countries?

[jackthehat]

I expect you are supportive of their efforts, in any case, AOG?

[Sharingan]

Rape is not usually used a weapon by the state or by political forces opposing the state in this country as a weapon for systematically terrorising the populaiton so no I think we can address rape ' in thiscountry' in other ways. Excellent effort by the way.

[youngmafbog]

It is unlikely they will achieve anything. War zone rape occurs usually because the law has broken down. It has happened for centuries.

I am not condoning it, just pointing out the obvious that not many in a war situation, where you may no live long anyway, will take much notice.

[Mick-Talbot]

So, because things are hard we should not bother?



Was that ^ well thought out, triggs?

[youngmafbog]

Did I (or anyone else) say we should not bother ?

[Sqad]

\\\Rape is not usually used a weapon by the state or by political forces opposing the state in this country as a weapon for systematically terrorising the populaiton so no I think we can address rape ' in thiscountry' in other ways.\\\

Sorry shari.....you have lost me.

Again in precis form.

[LazyGun]

They expect to raise awareness of the initiative, which is an admirable one. Even if their joint efforts only manage to save a few women from rape, it is a worthwhile exercise, surely?

[anotheoldgit]

Yes I can see it now, Mr Hague and Miss Jolie addressing a mob of savage and jubilant rebels, " Now come on chaps, treat those ladies with a little respect please".

[LazyGun]

Your question is answered - they expect to raise awareness of the issue, to attempt to build a consensus amongst the International Community that rape is a vile act, and should form no part of a weapon of war.

This is an entirely worthwhile initiative. And no, Hague would not be better employed addressing rapes carried out in the UK - We already have laws and domestic initiatives to counter that. He is foreign secretary, and it his job to put the UKs weight, such as it is, not just behind purely economic or poltical initiatives that favour the UK, but behind initiatives that benefit humanity.

[anotheoldgit]

LazyGun

/// Your question is answered - they expect to raise awareness of the issue, to attempt to build a consensus amongst the International Community that rape is a vile act, and should form no part of a weapon of war. ///

No it is far from answered, are you really naive enough to believe that rape by invading or conquering forces is a weapon of war?

One can attempt to outlaw the planting of land mines, (for which Princess Diana did admirable work in that field), but to attempt to get rape internationally banned, is just pie in the sky thinking.

[LazyGun]

@AoG. Of course rape is used as a weapon of war - a very well documented weapon of war at that. I think you are the one being naive if you fail to recognise that...

What exactly are your objections to this initiative, AoG?

[andy-hughes]

William Hague is the Foreign Secretary, and therefore this iw within his remit.

Sexual violence in this country would be the remit of Teresa May, as Home Secretary.

[anotheoldgit]

andy-hughes

/// William Hague is the Foreign Secretary, and therefore this iw within his remit. ///

Yes I realise that fact, thus strengthening my argument that there are much more issues he could be addressing in his capacity as the Foreign Secretary, than 'jousting at windmills'.

[anotheoldgit]

LazyGun

/// What exactly are your objections to this initiative, AoG? ///

It is just another 'jolly' and a waste of taxpayers money, from which nothing noticeable will be achieved.

[Mick-Talbot]

How on earth does it strengthen your argument?

You said in your OP that he would be better employed addressing rapes carried out in his own country.

[grumpy01]

Tilting at Windmills AOG