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 >>

Recommendations For The Terms Of Reference And Implementation Of UN Security Council Resolution 2379 On Da’esh Accountability

Letter.IraqiPM.10.30.2017.pdf

Activist Toolkit: 2017 16 Days Of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

This initiative is an activist toolkit for the 2017 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender Violence, where this year's theme is “Together We Can End GBV in Education!” This action kit contains information about GBV in education as well as suggested actions to take during the 2017 16 Days Campaign.

What Connects Rape In War, Domestic Violence And Sexual Harassment? Patriarchy

Patriarchy article.pdf

WPS, CRSV And Sexual Exploitation And Abuse In Peace Operations: Making Sense Of The Missing Links

LSE.pdf

Guilt By Association: Iraqi Women Detained And Subject To Sexual Exploitation And Abuse

Iraq.pdf

Statement of Cape Verde at the UNGA72

Extract: 

Women: “Our only option is to value these assets, to make them distinctive and focused on those who truly are development actors and beneficiaries: the children, youths, women and men of any country.”

Statement of Cape Verde at the UNGA72

CABOVERDE_UNGA72.pdf

Statement of Somalia at the UNGA72

Extract: 

Syria, Libya: “From Syria to the Central African Republic, from the Rohingya people of Myanmar to the people of Libya, the number of protracted and new conflicts remains unacceptably high.”

Conflict Prevention: “In Somalia, we have made significant strides, which have weakened the capability of Al-Shabaab.”

Statement of Somalia at the UNGA72

SOMALIA_UNGA72.pdf

Investigating Foreign Military Bases And Sexual Violence In Djibouti

This article by Madeleine Rees discusses the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) research into possible connections between sexual violence and foreign military bases in Djibouti. Foreign soldiers, including those of the United States and France, have been found engaged in illegal sexual activities with women and girls, and what is known is consistent with the pattern of conduct of foreign soldiers on and near military b

Pages