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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Emphasis is put on the fight for gender equality, empowerment of women, acces...

Extract: 

“Emphasis is put on the fight for gender equality, empowerment of women, access to quality education, and elimination of all forms of gender-based violence and violence against children....These issues, among others, are vital for Peru.”

“We see ourselves as an emerging country...that has built an inclusive social platform for equal opportunities and gender equality, justice, and security.”

No peace or justice, stability or security can be guaranteed unless the basic...

Extract: 

“No peace or justice, stability or security can be guaranteed unless the basic rights of all human beings are respected and protected in every country, by all governments. We must pay special attention to the rights of the most vulnerable groups. Women's rights must be protected everywhere. We consider it crucial that empowering women and action against gender-based violence be implemented in accordance with UN Resolution 1325”

In Nigeria, Boko Haram's murderous onslaught gains strength, with shocking im...

Extract: 

“In Nigeria, Boko Haram's murderous onslaught gains strength, with shocking impacts on women and girls.”

“Even where there is no overt warfare, violence still mars lives. Men prey on women across the globe, from battlefields to streets, from public spaces to the privacy of the home.”

My Government tirelessly combats violence against women in all its forms. We ...

Extract: 

“My Government tirelessly combats violence against women in all its forms. We consider the 21st century to be the century of women."

This group has terrorized all who they come across in Iraq and Syria. Mothers...

Extract: 

“This group has terrorized all who they come across in Iraq and Syria. Mothers, sisters and daughters have been subjected to rape as a weapon of war.”

To uphold peace and 'rule of law' and end a 'culture of impunity', my governm...

Extract: 

“To uphold peace and 'rule of law' and end a 'culture of impunity', my government remains pledge-bound to bring to justice the culprits of war crimes, crimes against humanity, rape, and genocide committed during our 1971 Liberation War.”

The fight against sexual violence calls for the same commitment. Sexual viole...

Extract: 

“The fight against sexual violence calls for the same commitment. Sexual violence in conflict spares no one. It affects adults and children, women and men. We must resolutely tackle this scourge”.

In this context, during its presidency of the UN Security Council in February...

Extract: 

"In this context, during its presidency of the UN Security Council in February 2013, Korea chaired an open session on civilian protection in conflict situations and helped raise global awareness. Korea is also participating in the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative (PSVI) as a champion state.

Education, particularly for girls, is the 'superhighway' to ending poverty. P...

Extract: 

"Education, particularly for girls, is the 'superhighway' to ending poverty. Poverty, discrimination and the use of force often prevent girls from getting the education they are entitled to. Sexual violence, abductions and deadly attacks are the most despicable ways in which girls' right to education is being violated. I condemn the abductions of schoolgirls by Boko Haram in the strongest possible terms.

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