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 >>

Investigating Foreign Military Bases And Sexual Violence In Djibouti

Rees.pdf

Statement of Slovenia at the UNGA72

Extract: 

Quotes/References to disarmament:

 

Non-proliferation/Disarmament: “As a strong supporter of non-proliferation and disarmament in the field of weapons of mass destruction, Slovenia is committed to treaty-based nuclear disarmament and arms control.”

 

Statement of Jamaica at the UNGA72

Extract: 

SDGs: “While it is essential to attend to the immediate humanitarian needs and reconstruction efforts, we must also urgently address our long term sustainable developmental goals. I urge that in our collective efforts to implement the SDGs we take account of the tremendous challenges faced by vulnerable countries completely knocked off course by external shocks.” 

Statement of Jamaica at the UNGA72

JAMAICA_UNGA72.pdf

Prosecuting ISIS Crimes Against Women and LGBTI Persons

Join us for a conversation with Fatou Bensouda, Chief Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court, along with Madeleine Rees of WILPF and many others, 8 November 2017, 3 PM at CUNY Law School. They will discuss prosecuting ISIS crimes against women and LGBTI persons.  

Download the file below for further information.

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Prosecuting ISIS Crimes Against Women and LGBTI Persons

Event-ISIS.pdf

Statement of Canada at the UNGA72

Extract: 

Women/Violence: “And for far too many Indigenous women, life in Canada includes threats of violence so frequent and severe that Amnesty International has called it “a human rights crisis.””

SDGs: “Many will sound familiar to you, because they are closely aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals – goals that apply to all of our countries, without exception.”

Statement of Canada at the UNGA72

CANADA_UNGA72.pdf

Statement of Switzerland at the UNGA72

Extract: 

Conflict Prevention: “Switzerland supports the Secretary-General’s focus on prevention. The reason is clear: the cost of a conflict is a multiple of what it costs to prevent one – in humanitarian, economic and financial terms. [...] Reinforcing mediation capacities also strengthens conflict prevention.”

Statement of Switzerland at the UNGA72

Switzerland_UNGA72.pdf

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