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 >>

SGBV

Extract: 

This year’s report (S/2017/249) of the Secretary-General on conflict-related sexual violence was issued after the adoption, last December, of resolution 2331 (2016), the first Security Council resolution on human trafficking in situations of armed conflict.

SGBV

Extract: 

At a time when the number of victims of sexual violence targeted by parties to armed conflicts and terrorists is on the rise, this debate could not be more appropriate and relevant in the endeavour to mobilize efforts for concerted and effective international action aimed at preventing and responding to this growing problem.

 

SGBV

Extract: 

 

In conflicts around the world women and girls, as well as men and boys, are subjected to horrendous acts of sexual violence. Those acts — rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage and sexual torture — constitute abhorrent violations of human rights and human dignity. Yet, as the Secretary-General’s recent thematic report (S/2017/249) states, their scope remains at an alarming level.

Bolkovac: 'UN tries to cover up peacekeeper sex abuse scandal'

Untitleddocument (16).pdf

2352 SGBV

Security Council Agenda Geographical Topic: 
South Sudan
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Extract: 

Stressing the need for effective human rights monitoring and reporting, including of any sexual and gender-based violence and violations and abuses committed against women and children, taking note that there have been no developments with regard to the operationalization of human rights monitoring in the Abyei Area, and reiterating its concern at the lack of cooperation by the parties with the Secretary-General to this end,

31. Recalls resolution 2272 (2016) and further requests the SecretaryGeneral to take the necessary measures to ensure full compliance of UNISFA with the United Nations zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and to keep the Council fully informed through his regular country-specific reports to the Council about UNISFA’s progress in this regard, including with respect to the implementation of resolution 2272 (2016);

Statement of Mina Jaf at the Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict, May 15, 2017

NGOWG Statement at the UNSC Open Debate on SViC - Mina Jaf - Final - Formatted (1).pdf

Concept Note: Security Council Open Debate on Sexual Violence in Conflict - May 15, 2017

Concept Note Open Debate SVC_Final.pdf

Report Of The Secretary-General on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence S/2017/249

N1708433 (1).pdf

Highlights of the Secretary-General Report: Sexual Violence in Conflict

WILPF is pleased to share this brief guide to the May 2017 Secretary-General’s Report on Sexual Violence in Conflict. Please use this as guidance for your advocacy efforts locally, nationally and regionally, to demand a feminist foreign policy that puts commitments into action!

Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (S/2016/1011)

N1639140.pdf

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