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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Stressing in this context the importance of further progress by the Afghan Go...

Security Council Agenda Geographical Topic: 
Afghanistan
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Human Rights
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Displacement and Humanitarian Response
Extract: 

Stressing in this context the importance of further progress by the Afghan Government in ending impunity and strengthening judicial institutions, the rule of law and respect for human rights within Afghanistan, including for women and girls and in the reconstruction and reform of the prison sector in Afghanistan,

WILPF ATT Toolkit

This toolkit includes background information on the arms trade treaty. 

WILPF and 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, 2012

November 25 - December 10, 2012

WILPF participated in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, which is an international campaign between (November 25 International Day Against Violence Against  Women) and December 10 (International  Human  Rights Day) to link action on violence against women with action on human rights and to emphasize that violence against women is a violation of human rights.  

WILPF and 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence 2011

November 25 - December 10, 2011

In 20111, WILPF's involvement in 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence included all regions and organized activities to promote the main theme, "Blow the Whistle to Redefine Security."

WILPF ATT Position Paper

This position paper lays out WILPF’s recommendations for the ATT’s scope in terms of the range of armaments and activities to be covered, the criteria on which arms transfer decisions should be based, and mechanisms for implementation and compliance.

WILPF ATT Position Paper

wilpf_att_position_paper.pdf

WILPF Reaction to ATT Adoption

In this statement, The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) welcomes the adoption of the treaty as a first step towards regulating international transfers of arms. However, the organization cautions that the treaty
not sufficiently robust or comprehensive. The risk of legitimizing the international arms trade, especially irresponsible transfers, must be avoided through careful interpretation and implementation.

WILPF Reaction to ATT Adoption

wilpf_att.gbv_pressrelease_2april2013_2.pdf

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