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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Lithuania

Extract: 

“In the 21 st century, women and girls are sold on slave markets by the criminals of ISIS and abused in unspeakable ways.”

Costa Rica

Extract: 

“In the fight against terrorism, Costa Rica is concerned about the use of sexual violence as a terror tactic, and the link of violent extremism to the control over the autonomy of women and the impact on and restriction of their rights.”

Zambia

Extract: 

“One of the important programs in which I have been engaged as a designated champion of the “He-for-she Campaign,” seeks to address issues of gender based violence. The  ‘HE-FOR-SHE” Project was initiated by UN Women in September last year to focus on addressing the incidences of gender-based violence.

Botswana

Extract: 

“Poverty eradication, gender equality, the empowerment of women, girls and the youth, job creation, as well as equal access to health and other social services remain high on our national agenda.”

Botswana

GA70_GeneralDebateGender_Botswana.pdf

Ireland

GA70_GeneralDebateGender_Ireland.pdf

Ireland

Extract: 

“I wish to emphasise Ireland's grave concern for vulnerable women and girls in many parts of the world and our strong commitment to gender equality. On his visit to Ireland in May, Secretary General Ban spoke passionately of his personal commitment to gender equality and the UN's efforts to combat the emergence of appalling forms of sexual violence and enslavement.

Ireland

Extract: 

“In particular, our own experience of conflict in Ireland has taught us that full and equal participation by women in decisions around peace and security are vital to building a sustainable peace.”

Sweden

GA70_GeneralDebateStatement_Sweden.pdf

Sweden

Extract: 

“To solve this crisis, we also need to stop the horrors in Syria. Extrajudicial executions, sexual and gender-based violence, atrocities that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity cannot be tolerated by our international community.”

“It is time to see sexual violence as one of the most destructive weapons of all and to fight it with the full force of the international community.”

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