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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We have seen progress—led by member states in concert with the Secretar...

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We have seen progress—led by member states in concert with the Secretariat—to improve the tools, guidance, and resources to help UN missions identify and address the threats to populations in conflict zones. We must continue to learn from experience and provide better support to missions, including doing more to address sexual and gender-based violence.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in follow-up to the recent mapping r...

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In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in follow-up to the recent mapping report, the Government is preparing to establish a special chamber to investigate serious violations of international law, including mass killings, sexual violence and displacement, and to prosecute the perpetrators.

As far as sexual violence is concerned, the scale of the problem requires rei...

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As far as sexual violence is concerned, the scale of the problem requires reinforced efforts. In accordance with the letter and spirit of Security Council resolutions 1888 (2009) and 1960 (2010), OHCHR is in discussion with all relevant United Nations partners regarding the possibility of women protection advisers being located within the human rights components.

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, conflict persists, with direct attac...

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In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, conflict persists, with direct attacks against civilians by foreign and Congolese armed groups. Some elements of the national security forces continue to be implicated in these violations. Sexual violence, including rape, remains a defining characteristic of the conflict.

In Côte d'Ivoire, November's post-election crisis degenerated into a co...

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In Côte d'Ivoire, November's post-election crisis degenerated into a conflict marked by increased violence that seriously affected the civilian population. Direct attacks against civilians, indiscriminate shelling, sexual violence, and attacks against humanitarian workers and peacekeepers have all been reported and must be investigated without delay.

We welcome the increased understanding of the primacy of the protection of ci...

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We welcome the increased understanding of the primacy of the protection of civilians in situations of armed conflict and the ever-growing attention to this issue within the United Nations. Ukraine commends the work of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, as well as that of Member States, particularly concerning the implementation of resolutions relating to women and peace and security.

The plight of women and children, in particular, remains perilous and require...

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The plight of women and children, in particular, remains perilous and requires urgent attention. South Africa appreciates the efforts of many Governments, including those of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chad, to combat sexual violence, as demonstrated by the arrest of senior military officers involved in crimes of conflict-related sexual violence.

South Africa is fully committed to the protection of civilians in armed confl...

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South Africa is fully committed to the protection of civilians in armed conflict and continues to support a strengthened normative and legal framework for enhancing such protection measures. We welcome the concerted efforts of the international community to protect civilians in armed conflict.

Situation-specific resolutions have increasingly called for protection to be ...

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Situation-specific resolutions have increasingly called for protection to be prioritized in the implementation of peacekeeping mandates. We particularly welcome the development of comprehensive strategies on the protection of civilians, which assist missions in understanding the relevant threats facing civilians in their areas of operation and enable them to better channel their efforts towards addressing them.

Thirdly, sexual violence against women and girls in armed conflicts is one of...

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Thirdly, sexual violence against women and girls in armed conflicts is one of the most horrible forms of violence, not only against civilians but against civilization itself, and it deserves our special attention. Women and girls are most vulnerable, and sexual violence has a devastating and corrosive effect on society as a whole.

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