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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Spotlight Initiative: Frequently Asked Questions

spotlight.faq_.letter.02.pdf

Gender-Based Violence And Conflict Transformation

Gender-based violence and conflict transformation - Bosnia and Herzegovina _ ReliefWeb.pdf

While Rohingya Refugees Are Being Raped, Agencies Lack Needed Funding

While Rohingya Refugees Are Being Raped.pdf

"I Don't Know Who Can Help": Men And Boys Facing Sexual Violence In Central African Republic

ASP-Central-African-Republic.pdf

Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2018: Brazil (Extract 4)

Extract: 

We express our appreciation for and gratitude to the Secretary-General for his new strategic approach to taking action against sexual exploitation and abuse committed by personnel of United Nations peacekeeping missions and special political missions. Brazil signed the voluntary compact on preventing and addressing sexual exploitation and abuse and strongly supports all efforts for its full implementation.

Special report of the Secretary-General on the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (S/2018/143)

s_2018_143.pdf

Security Council Resolution 2414 (Operative Clause 19)

Security Council Agenda Geographical Topic: 
Western Sahara
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform
Extract: 

Requests the Secretary-General to continue to take the necessary measures to ensure full compliance in MINURSO with the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to keep the Council informed, and urges troopcontributing countries to take appropriate preventive action including predeployment awareness training, and other action to ensure full accountability in cases of such conduct involving their personnel

Security Council Resolution 2410 (Operative Clause 19)

Security Council Agenda Geographical Topic: 
Haiti
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform
Extract: 

Recalls its resolution 2272 (2016), and all other relevant United Nations resolutions, requests the Secretary-General to take the necessary steps to ensure full compliance of all MINUJUSTH personnel with the United Nations zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and to continue to keep the Council informed, and urges police-contributing countries to redouble their efforts to prevent cases of misconduct and to ensure that acts involving their personnel are properly investigated in a credible and transparent manner and that those responsible are held accountable

Security Council Resolution 2410 (Preamble)

Security Council Agenda Geographical Topic: 
Haiti
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Participation
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Human Rights
Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform
Extract: 

Recognizing that strengthening national human rights institutions, including respecting the right to a fair trial, promoting access to justice, fighting corruption and impunity, combating criminality, sexual and gender-based violence, and ensuring accountability, as well as respect for human rights, including of women and children, are all essential to promoting the rule of law and security in Haiti

9th Report of the UN Secretary-General on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

2017_UNSG report-CRSV.pdf

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