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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Statement of San Marino at the UNGA72

Extract: 

Human rights: “The relationship between peace, security and respect for human rights is undeniable: the measures for the protection and promotion of human rights are essential to prevent conflicts and to support peace.”

Statement of San Marino at the UNGA72

SanMarino_UNGA72.pdf

Statement of Venezuela at the UNGA72

Extract: 

Human Rights: If any country does not deserve to belong to the Human Rights Council, it is precisely the United States of America. It is the main violator of human rights, not only in its territory, if not throughout the world.

Statement of Niger at the UNGA72

Extract: 

 

Quotes/References to disarmament:

 

Disarmament:  The issue of disarmament is a crucial issue. It deserves our attention and Niger strongly supports the actions undertaken by the United Nations in order to achieve a general and complete disarmament both in terms of WMDs and conventional weapons.

 

Statement of the United Kingdom at the UNGA72

Extract: 

Conflict prevention: “So in the year ahead as well as agreeing the principles of these compacts we must ensure they can be applied in practice.”

Statement of the United Kingdom at the UNGA72

UK_UNGA72.pdf

Statement of Haiti at the UNGA72

Extract: 

 

Syria: In the Middle East, the Syrian crisis does not cease to challenge universal conscience. Here, as well, in this space, numerous resolutions have been voted for, calling to end this tragedy, with its train of evils and its inhumanity.

Statement of Haiti at the UNGA72

HAITI_UNGA72.pdf

Statement of Mexico at the UNGA72

Extract: 

Human rights: However, in order for the United Nations to be more effective in this work, it’s necessary to strengthen its capacity for prevention, centered on the person, with promotion of development, and with respect to human rights.

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