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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Preventing armed gender-­‐based violence: a binding requirement in the new draft ATT text

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Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2013

On April 17th, the UN Security Council held a day-long debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict under the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, June 2013

On June 24th, the UN Security Council held a day-long debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict. The Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zainab Bangura briefed. Jane Anywar, a Ugandan lawyer representing the Women's Initiatives for Gender Justice, spoke on behalf of civil society.

Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, April 2014

On April 25th, the UN Security Council held an open debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict under the presidency of Nigeria. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zainab Hawa Bangura briefed the Council, and Rhoda Misaka spoke on behalf of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security.

Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, February 2012

OVERVIEW

On February 23 2012, the Security Council held an open debate on Women, Peace, and Security: Conflict- Related Sexual Violence.

Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, December 2010

On the afternoon of December 16th and carrying into the morning of December 17th, the Security Council held an open debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict. Noting that sexual violence during armed conflict is systematic, rampant, and widespread, the Security Council began the debate with the unanimous adoption of a new resolution, Resolution 1960 (2010).

Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, September 2009

On September 30th 2009 under the Presidency of the United States and chair of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1888 – the third resolution adopted by the Council under the agenda item of “Women, Peace and Security”, following resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008). Like SCR 1820, SCR 1888 is primarily focused on addressing and preventing sexual violence in conflict.

I add my voice to those of the leaders who will gather this afternoon to adop...

Extract: 

"I add my voice to those of the leaders who will gather this afternoon to adopt a strong declaration on sexual violence in conflict.”

This ambition is at the heart of the UK's initiative to end sexual violence i...

Extract: 

"This ambition is at the heart of the UK's initiative to end sexual violence in conflict, and I would encourage all states, yet to do so, to endorse the declaration to Prevent Sexual Violence in Conflict. Over 115 states are already committed: we're sending a message to the victims of these devastating crimes that they are not alone and that their attackers will be punished.”

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