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 >>

NGOWG Statement at Security Council open debate on sexual violence in conflict, February 2012

NGOWG Statement_Open Debate_SViC_23February2012.pdf

NGOWG Statement at the UN Security Council open debate on Sexual violence in conflict, April 2013

NGOWG Statement_Open Debate_SViC_17April2013.pdf

NGOWG Statement at the UN Security Council open debate on Sexual violence in conflict, April 2014

NGOWG Statement_Open Debate_SViC_25April14.pdf

S/2015/203 - Report of the Secretary-General on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence April 2015

S:2015:203 - Report of the Secretary-General on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence April 2015.pdf

NGOWG Statement at the UN Security Council open debate on Sexual violence in conflict, April 2015

NGOWG Statement_OpenDebate_SViC_15April15.pdf

Infographic: Investing in Women for Peace: Good Practices

Based on the 2014 Secretary-General report on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence, PeaceWomen highlights some of the advances in the Women, Peace and Security agenda and some of the practices that should be championed by member states, civil society, and the Security Council.

21. Further demands that all parties immediately cease all forms of violence, human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law, including rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence;

Security Council Agenda Geographical Topic: 
South Sudan
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Disarmament
Protection
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Human Rights
Extract: 

21. Further demands that all parties immediately cease all forms of violence, human rights violations and abuses, violations of international humanitarian law, including rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence; 

To monitor, investigate, verify and report specifically and publicly on violations and abuses committed against children and women, including all forms of sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflict by accelerating the implementation of monitoring,

Security Council Agenda Geographical Topic: 
South Sudan
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Protection
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Peacekeeping
Human Rights
Extract: 

To monitor, investigate, verify and report specifically and publicly on violations and abuses committed against children and women, including all forms of sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflict by accelerating the implementation of monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements on conflict-related sexual violence and by strengthening the monitoring and reporting mechanism for grave violations against children; 

Pages