Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) theme focuses on the incidence and prevalence of violence against women in conflict and post-conflict settings. Polarisation of gender roles, proliferation of weapons, militarisation, and the breakdown of law influence SGBV.

The risk of SGBV is heightened during conflict by aggravating factors, including the polarization of gender roles, the proliferation of arms, the militarization of society, and the breakdown of law and order. The subsequent long-term and complex impacts of SGBV continue to affect individuals and communities after conflict ends.

SGBV is addressed in all five resolutions on Women, Peace and Security. In SCR 1888, the Security Council expresses its intention to ensure peacekeeping mandate resolutions contain provisions on the prevention of, and response to, sexual violence, with corresponding reporting requirements to the Council (OP11). The resolutions deal with protecting women from violence (1820,OP3, 8-10; 1888,OP3,12); strengthening local and national institutions to assist victims of sexual violence (1820,OP13; 1888,OP13); and including strategies to address sexual violence in post-conflict peacebuilding processes (1820,OP11). SCR 1820 also calls for the participation of women in the development of mechanisms intended to protect women from violence (OP10).

Lastly, SCR 1960 creates institutional tools and teeth to combat impunity and outlines specific steps needed for both the prevention of and protection from conflict-related sexual violence. The new “naming and shaming,” listing mechanism mandated in the Resolution is a step forward in bringing justice for victims and a recognition that sexual violence is a serious violation of human rights and international law.

Addressing SGBV is an integral aspect of the overall Women, Peace and Security agenda. SGBV affects the health and safety of women, and also has significant impact on economic and social stability. The Security Council recognises that sexual violence can threaten international peace and security, and that it is frequently used as a tactic of war to dominate, humiliate, terrorise, and displace.

For more resources on this Critical Issue, visit PeaceWomen Resource Center >>

Implementation of Security Council resolutions 2139 (2014), 2165 (2014) and 2191 (2014) (S/2015/368).

s_2015_368.pdf

Implementation of Security Council resolutions 2139 (2014), 2165 (2014) and 2191 (2014) (S/2015/124)

s_2015_124.pdf

Report of the Secretary-General on the African Union United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (S/2015/729)

s_2015_729 (1).pdf

Report of the Secretary-General on the African Union United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (S/2015/1027).

Code: S/2015/1027

Topic: This report by the Secretary-General is on the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), covering the time period between 25 September 2015 and 15 December 2015.

Women, Peace and Security

Report of the Secretary-General on the African Union United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (S/2015/1027).

2015-1027.pdf

Report of the Secretary-General on Abyei (S/2015/700).

Code: S/2015/700

Period of Time and Topic: This report by the Secretary-General is on the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), covering the time period since the previous report from 16 June 2015.

Women, Peace and Security

Report of the Secretary-General on Abyei (S/2015/700).

2015_700.pdf

Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Abyei (S/2015/302).

Code: S/2015/302 [1] 

Period of Time and Topic: Covering the period from 30 January to 29 April 2015, the report informs of progress in the implementation of the mandate UNISFA and brings attention to violations of the Agreement between the Government of the Sudan and the SPLM on temporary arrangements for the administration and security of the Abyei Area.

Pages