- The clip, played at a conference in Ukraine, has also been shared by Royal Family
- READ MORE: Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska says support of the Royal Family is 'really powerful'
Speaking in a pre-recorded video for a conference in the war-torn nation, which was invaded by Russian forces two years ago last month, Sophie, 59, highlighted 'the most appalling atrocities' endured by civilians.
She branded the sexual violence faced by victims of war 'pure evil' as she urged the world 'not to turn our backs on the horrors of this crime'.
The clip, which sees the solemn Duchess delivering the address, was also shared on the Royal Family's Instagram account.
Sophie was speaking in her capacity as champion for the UK's Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative, on invitation of Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, who recently visited the UK.
The Duchess of Edinburgh has called for an end to conflict related sexual violence as she praised 'brave' survivors from Ukraine for sharing their experiences
She began her speech by expressing gratitude that she is able to deliver the message on the same week as International Women's Day - which falls on March 8.
'The scale of the challenge that conflict related sexual violence presents around the world, from Myanmar to Ethiopia, from Colombia to Sudan, the current crisis in the Middle East to Ukraine, both from past and present conflicts, is enormous,' Sophie said. 'Sadly, the landscape seems to be getting worse.
'As we gather here today, thousands of women, men, boys and girls are being subjected to sexual violence in order to demean, over-power and destroy.
'In Ukraine, female and male survivors have bravely recounted their experiences of the most appalling atrocities they have endured, since the start of the war in 2022.
'This conference is an important opportunity to ensure that those survivors are not forgotten, to shine a spotlight on their bravery and the need to ensure justice and accountability are upheld.'
Sophie also spoke about the 'devastation of conflict related sexual violence', which is not 'only confined to the survivors and the children born of rape, but is felt by the families as well as whole communities'.
'The screams of a five year old girl clinging to her father in Panzi hospital DRC where the kind and gentle medics were trying to win enough trust from her for them to be able examine her are engrained in my heart, as are the faces and accounts of the many women who have shared the terrible and graphic accounts of their rape experiences,' she added.
'And while they, as innocent victims, are handed a life sentence of ongoing devastating psychological and physical consequences, the majority of perpetrators go unpunished.
Sophie was speaking in her capacity as champion for the UK's Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative, on invitation of Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, who recently visited the UK. Pictured last month
The clip, which sees the solemn Duchess delivering the address, was also shared on the Royal Family 's Instagram account
The wife of President Volodymyr Zelensky also said it was a 'great privilege' to meet Queen Camilla at Clarence House on her two-day visit to the UK
'This must change. Rape requires no training, no armoury, no financial backing, but is as devastating as bullets and bombs not only in the immediacy of the attacks but for the rest of the victim's and their family's lives.
'And let's be clear it is illegal, in fact it is pure evil.'
Sophie called on the international community to work harder to 'shift the blame from the victim/survivor to the perpetrator', including prosecutions and implementations of sanctions.
She also stressed the importance of supporting survivors.
The Duchess continued: 'While this jurisprudence is developing in holding perpetrators to account in conflict affected countries, the world needs to do much more to recognise that conflict related sexual violence is a tactic of war and is NOT just an unfortunate casualty. It can and must be prevented.'
Sophie concluded: 'His Majesty The King recently said, "Ukrainians continue to show the heroism with which the world associates them so closely."
'Your Excellency The First Lady, all survivors, and the women and men helping to end conflict and build peace here in Ukraine, I am full of admiration for you all.
'Survivors here and around the world have spoken out so bravely about their experiences.
'They are the most powerful advocates who remind us all that we must not turn our backs on the horrors of this crime, we must never forget the survivors.
Ms Zelenska also paid tribute to the leadership of the late Queen Elizabeth II , whom she said set an example and the 'standard of support for Ukraine'
'Rather, we must stand shoulder to shoulder with all survivors to secure justice and holistic redress, and ensure that this crime isn't an accepted part of conflict.
'Their rights and their voices must be at the heart of all our efforts to consign conflict-related sexual violence to the history books.'
Over the festive period in December, Sophie was a hit with children and adults alike as she volunteered at a Christmas party for Ukrainian refugees.
She cut a casual figure in a black polo neck jumper as she chatted to families, served food and painted children's faces at The Lighthouse in Woking, Surrey.
The royal paired her laid back ensemble with black trousers and added a gold chain.
The event included music from the Ukrainian band Atmasfera, a visit from Sviatyij Mykolai (Saint Nicholas), and a Ukrainian puppeteer.
The charity, of which the Duchess became patron earlier last year, hosts a range of projects in central Woking and Barnsbury to support, encourage and empower those who find themselves in need.
Ms Zelenska said she was 'moved' by the King's address and during her 30-minute meeting with the Queen she 'passed our greetings to His Majesty'. The royal couple pictured in April
In a message coinciding with the second anniversary of the invasion, King Charles paid tribute to the 'determination and strength' of the Ukrainian people
Meanwhile, Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska has this weekend said that Royal Family support for her country at war is 'really powerful'.
The wife of President Volodymyr Zelensky also said it was a 'great privilege' to meet Queen Camilla at Clarence House on her two-day visit to the UK.
'We really feel the support with the Royal Family and through them, also the support from the British Nation. I have to say thank you to the British people, we feel your support', she said on Piers Morgan Uncensored.
Ms Zelenska also paid tribute to the leadership of the late Queen Elizabeth II, whom she said set an example and the 'standard of support for Ukraine'.
She added: 'We really feel the support with the Royal Family and through them, also the support from the British Nation. I have to say thank you to the British people, we feel your support.
'It's sincere, it's warm, and it's not just a declaration. It's a feeling of sincere and powerful support, and it really inspires us. Every time I come back from London, I feel inspired. Just as if I had a holiday, as if I recharged my batteries, and so once again, thank you.'
During her trip to the UK, Ms Zelenska also met Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty, and the Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron.
In her sole interview of the visit with Piers Morgan she admitted that the situation was 'difficult', adding that it was a 'marathon, not a sprint'.
On the second anniversary of Putin's invasion, King Charles, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, paid tribute to the 'determination and strength' of the Ukrainian people.
'Despite the tremendous hardship and pain inflicted upon them, Ukrainians continue to show the heroism with which the world associates them so closely. Theirs is true valour, in the face of indescribable aggression', he said in a message last week.
Ms Zelenska said she was 'moved' by the King's address and during her 30-minute meeting with the Queen she 'passed our greetings to His Majesty as well and our best wishes for his health from the President of Ukraine and from the Ukrainian nation'.
