Sexual violence is no longer a simple by-product of armed conflict. It is bei...

Sexual violence is no longer a simple by-product of armed conflict. It is being used as a weapon of war, aimed at dehumanizing and instilling fear in civilians in situations of armed conflict. Whether carried out by non-State armed groups or Government security forces in conflict and post-conflict situations, it is to some extent designed to achieve political and military objectives. The adoptions of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) addressing the impact of war on women, resolution 1820 (2008) calling for the cessation of all acts of sexual violence against civilians, and resolution 1888 (2009) establishing the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary- General on Sexual Violence in Conflict are efforts that are expected to give new impetus to the protection of civilians in conflict. As the United Nations considers a new configuration in the Sudan, the issue of protection of civilians should remain pivotal.