We have witnessed an alarming increase in sexual violence in various conflic...

We have witnessed an alarming increase in sexual violence in various conflicts around the world. The victims are often women and children. Cessation of hostilities does not guarantee an end to sexual violence — sometimes quite the opposite. The influx of returning refugees and displaced persons, the presence of large numbers of demobilized ex-combatants, the widespread lack of economic opportunity and the general breakdown in social norms all contribute to increased levels of sexual violence in post-conflict settings. Such gender-based violence is often exacerbated by the absence of effective judicial institutions and impunity as a result thereof. Both resolution 1325 (2000) and resolution 1820 (2008) emphasize the responsibility of all States to put an end to such impunity and to prosecute those responsible for war crimes, including acts of gender violence.