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.

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Implementation of Security Council resolutions 2139 (2014), 2165 (2014) and 2191 (2014) (Report covers the conflict from 1 to 31 March 2015)

Report covers the conflict from 1 to 31 March 2015.pdf

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL ON THE AFRICAN UNION-UNITED NATIONS HYBRID OPERATION IN DARFUR (26 FEBRUARY TO 15 MAY 2015)

Code: S/2015/378

Period of Time and Topic: UNAMID’s mandate implementation, revised strategic priorities implementation and transferring some of UNAMID’s responsibilities to the country team from 26 February to 15 May 2015

Women, Peace and Security

Special report of the Secretary-General on the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (Implementation of UNAMID’s strategic review and revised strategic priorities)

Special report of the Secretary-General on the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (Implementation of UNAMID’s strategic review and revised strategic priorities).pdf

Report of the Secretary-General on the African UnionUnited Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur

Report of the Secretary-General on the African UnionUnited Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur .pdf

Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Abyei

Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Abyei.pdf

Report of the Secretary-General on South Sudan

Code: S/2015/296

Period of Time and Topic: Implementation of UNMISS’s mandate from 11 February to 13 April 2015

Women, Peace and Security

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