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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Given the magnitude of the challenges facing the United Nations, France fully...

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Given the magnitude of the challenges facing the United Nations, France fully supports the mandate of the Special Representative. Resolution 1960 (2010), adopted in December 2010, marked a political commitment to use all the means available to the Security Council to ensure that sexual violence is prevented. It is up to us today to do our utmost to ensure that that resolution is implemented.

We strongly support the mandate of the Special Representative, including the ...

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We strongly support the mandate of the Special Representative, including the requirement to provide periodic statements as important updates on the state of sexual violence in conflicts around the world. Special Representative Wallström has been an important advocate for the fight against conflict-related sexual violence, and we especially appreciate her focus on the accountability dimension.

Sexual violence can be a crime of international concern, especially if it is ...

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Sexual violence can be a crime of international concern, especially if it is part of a widespread or systematic campaign and can therefore constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity or even an act of genocide. The need to ensure accountability for such crimes is self-evident.

In the brief history of the Court, the Office of the Prosecutor has brought c...

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In the brief history of the Court, the Office of the Prosecutor has brought charges for sexual violence against 13 of the 27 individuals for whom he has requested warrants of arrest or summonses to appear, charging sexual violence as a war crime, a crime against humanity and an act of genocide.

El Salvador welcomes your initiative, Mr. President, to convene this open deb...

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El Salvador welcomes your initiative, Mr. President, to convene this open debate of the Security Council on the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security.

The mandate related to sexual violence in situations of armed conflict is one...

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The mandate related to sexual violence in situations of armed conflict is one of the most demanding in peacekeeping. The Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the Department

Finally, I would like to underline that political, social and economic empowe...

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Finally, I would like to underline that political, social and economic empowerment of women in fragile States is fundamental to eradicating discrimination, inequality and sexual and gender-based violence. Women's exclusion from the sectors responsible for their disempowerment must be addressed through adopting the principles of resolution 1325 (2000) and mobilizing strong political will. Political will is what it is really about

China condemns all violence against women in armed conflicts, including sexua...

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China condemns all violence against women in armed conflicts, including sexual violence. We urge all parties to conflict or intervening parties to abide by international humanitarian law and other relevant international law.

Canada welcomes the Secretary-General's recent report (S/2012/33) and thanks ...

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Canada welcomes the Secretary-General's recent report (S/2012/33) and thanks the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict for her presentation today and her efforts to strengthen United Nations mechanisms to prevent and respond to such crimes, including rape and trafficking of women and girls.

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