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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WILPF condemns New Year's Eve violence against women

WILPF CONDEMNS NEW YEAR.pdf

Clamor for Justice. Sexual violence, armed conflict and violent land disposition

Clamor_for_Justice_Guatemala.pdf

Central African Republic: Amid Conflict, Rape

Central African Republic- Amid Conflict, and Rape.pdf

Swedish Foreign Service action plan for feminist foreign policy 2015–2018 including focus areas for 2016

action-plan-feminist-foreign-policy-2015-2018.pdf

Cameroon Activists Call for End to Traditions Harmful to Women

Cameroon Activists Call for End to Traditions Harmful to Women.pdf

What Next for the UK Women, Peace and Security Agenda?

What is next for UK WPS Agenda.docx_.pdf

Arms Trade Treaty, Programme of Action, and Gender-Based Violence

Arms Trade Treaty, Programme of Action, and Gender-Based Violence.pdf

Meet the creator of a secret network of women

Meet the creator of a secret network of women.pdf

Japan

Extract: 

Finalized its national action plan on resolution 1325 (2000) last month and has ambitiously set itself 150 goals, which will be regularly monitored. One of the unique features of the plan is its inclusion and emphasis on gender mainstreaming during all phases of natural disaster risk-reduction and response.

Chile

Extract: 

 Committed to strengthening the institutional policy of Chile’s Ministry of National Defence by mainstreaming gender in all predeployment training for peacekeeping operations in which they are involved.

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