Duchess of Edinburgh says she 'sees no end' to sexual violence during emotive speech in Portugal

Duchess Sophie has declared she sees no end to sexual violence across the world during a powerful address in Lisbon.The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are currently on the second day of their visit to Portugal.Yesterday, the couple inaugurated the Treaty of Windsor Exhibition at the Portuguese National Archive and took a historic tram ride around the capital city.Today's agenda was significantly more emotionally charged, particularly for Sophie. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The Duchess has long championed the Women, Peace and Security agenda, a United Nations initiative, aiming to put more women at the centre of conflict resolution.Sophie continued advocating for the cause during this afternoon's speech in Lisbon, as she shone a light on the concerning trend of sexual violence across the world to international students in Lisbon.Sexual violence in conflict is really a scourge on the world, she said, according to Hello.There are many countries in conflict now where the violence is endemic, and also the reality is sexual violence – violence against women and girls – is something that even after conflict, it's changing societies.It is something that, unfortunately, I see no end of... even countries that are post-conflict, the violence that is carrying on. It is not acceptable. Addressing the Model Nato conference in Lisbon, Sophie discussed how she met young girls from the Democratic Republic of Congo during a conference in New York who were receiving threats of rape on their phones.The Duchess visited the African country in October last year, where she witnessed the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict, particularly on women and girls.They were there in the name of peace... but they were receiving direct threats straight onto their phone, she told the audience in Portugal today. Women peace builders have different perspectives and priorities.LATEST ROYAL NEWSKing Charles bestows honours on ice skating legends Torvill and Dean to celebrate retirementMeghan Markle gifts superfan who labelled Catherine 'mediocre' 300 As Ever setQueen Camilla opens new rooftop garden in South London hospitalThey know how their communities work and what is important to them. These women, who it is my privilege to serve, do it not out of wanting recognition of any sort, in fact, quite the opposite.They do it in the name of peace, but in putting themselves forward, can end up placing themselves in harm's way. Frequently, they are subjected to threats of rape and other forms of harm, intimidation towards their families, deportation, and incarceration.After the passionate address, one student asked Sophie how women's voices can be amplified.I use my voice, she replied. I can be their voice in various different forums, in various different settings. That is one way.You can use your voices and immediately play a part as well. On the second day of their tour, the royal couple also visited aerospace firm Tekeva, where they assisted in assembling a drone and operated its camera using an Xbox controller.The company produces unmanned aircraft for surveillance, reconnaissance and search and rescue operations in both the Channel and Ukraine.Following their time in Lisbon, the couple will spend their final day in Porto.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter