War zone sexual violence statue moves to The Hague

Petrified Survivors is a bronze sculpture created by Andover-based artist Rebecca Hawkins

A statue dedicated to victims of sexual violence in conflicts across the world has been unveiled at the British ambassador's residence in The Hague in the Netherlands.

Petrified Survivors is a bronze sculpture created by Andover-based artist Rebecca Hawkins as part of a project involving more than 20 groups in conflict zones around the world.

She said the piece carried the voices of survivors with dignity and "challenges silence through public art."

The piece will remain in The Hague until August before it will be relocated to Berlin.

Survivors from Kenya, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Syria were among those to gather for the unveiling

The 2m (6ft 7in) statue depicts a petrified woman with an infant strapped to her back, ensnared by strangler figs and with her hands tied behind her.

It is the result of a four-year process that included gathering stories and testimonies from survivors and human rights organisations in more than 30 countries across the world.

"Sexual violence is one of the most widespread crimes in history – present in every conflict, past and present," Ms Hawkins said.

The artist said she had been "profoundly moved" by the strength of survivors during the project.

"I'm honoured to help transform their stories into a permanent tribute," she said.

The piece was unveiled by outgoing British ambassador to the Netherlands Joanna Roper alongside survivors from Kenya, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Syria, among others.