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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INITIATIVE/PROGRAM: Gender-based Violence Emergency Response and Protection Initiative

The Gender-Based Violence Emergency Response and Protection Initiative is a program designed to address extreme forms of gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful traditional practices around the world. The program has three specific objectives:

STATEMENT: Amnesty International Public Statement

19 June 2014

Colombia: new law aims to address impunity for conflict-related crimes of sexual violence

A new law, which was signed-off by President Juan Manuel Santos on 18 June, could, if effectively implemented, contribute to bringing to justice those suspected of criminal responsibility in conflict-related crimes of sexual violence, Amnesty International said today.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign

From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World:
Let's Challenge Militarism and End Gender-Based Violence!

INITIATIVE: GBV Under the Khmer Rouge

On 24 September 2013, Cambodian Defenders Project in partnership with Transcultural Psychosocial Organization and the Victims Support Section at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia held the third Women's Hearing on gender-based violence during conflict. Four survivors of rape and forced marriage committed by the Khmer Rouge regime testified on their experience before a panel of Cambodian university students.

STATEMENT: WILPF Nigeria says #BringBackOurGirls

Women's International League for Peace and Freedom Nigeria strongly condemns the abduction of Nigerian girls from Government school Chibok Borno State on the 14th of April 2014.This has been very trying times for the relatives of the abducted Chibok girls and indeed for all of us as concerned citizens of Nigeria and the world. It brings to the forefront the issues once more of the exploitation of women and girls in times of conflict.

CAMPAIGN: Blowing the Whistle on Sexual Violence

Blowing the Whistle on Sexual Violence.
When the earthquake struck Haiti in 2010, women and girls across the country found themselves at increased risk of rape. As institutions that offered protection and justice fell around them, the women mobilized within displacement camps to protect women and support survivors. The Campaign is proud to release a new documentary on these bold, innovative women.

CAMPAIGN: The Rwandan Genocide: 20th Anniversary

20 years after more than 800,000 Rwandans perished in the Rwandan Genocide, find out how the sexual violence survivors left behind are finding hope and working to stop rape in conflict.

Please click here to read more about the campaign.

MULTI-MEDIA: Men, Peace and Security: Agents of Change

From October 28 to 30, 2013, the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), The World Bank, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) – North America, Women in International Security (WIIS), Promundo – US, and Sonke Gender Justice co-hosted a symposium titled Men, Peace & Security: Agents of Change at the USIP headquarters in Washington, DC.

ONLINE DIALOGUE/BLOG: It's always the woman's fault

In the day-to-day lives of women in Sudan, it's easy for a man to rape a women and get away with it. However, a woman has to know the right people if she hopes to get anywhere close to justice.

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