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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ONLINE DIALOGUE/BLOG: Never-ending trauma: In DRC, rape survivors are punished with more rape

The horrors are so terrible that they sound made up but—somehow—they aren't.

A woman raped in front of her husband. In front of her parents-in-law. Forced to watch her child killed and then raped. Forced to have sex with her son in front of militants. Raped when nine months' pregnant.

CAMPAIGN: 1 Billion Rising for Justice

On 14 February 2013, one billion people in 207 countries rose and danced to demand an end to violence against women and girls.

On 14 February 2014*, we are escalating our efforts, calling on women and men everywhere to RISE, RELEASE, DANCE, and demand JUSTICE!

OTHER: Colombian Reporter Jineth Bedoya Lima Gives Voice to Abused Women

On the first day that Jineth Bedoya Lima arrived for work at the offices of Colombia National Radio in Bogotá, she was assigned to cover a story that would become her life. That day, in December 1996, her task was to report on a riot at what is probably the most dangerous prison in the world, La Modelo, infamous as a focal point for trafficking in drugs and arms between the forces of state, cartels and rival militias.

PROPOSAL: UN Trust Fund To End Violence Against Women - 2013 Call For Proposals

The UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UN Trust Fund) is a leading global grant-making mechanism exclusively dedicated to addressing violence against women and girls in all its forms. It supports effective initiatives that demonstrate that violence against women and girls can be systematically addressed, reduced and, with persistence, eliminated.

ONLINE DIALOGUE/BLOG: Women Rising

In a Belfast hotel last spring, stories of children and life floated through the rooms.

Yet those of us who were present for this meeting of female human rights activists from more than 20 countries were painfully aware of old friends who could not join us.

STATEMENT: Vote yes to protect women human rights defenders

We must protect women human right defenders


The UN General Assembly votes this week on a resolution to protect women human rights defenders.

STATEMENT: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women Message of Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation. It is violence against families, communities, nations and humanity. It is a threat to international peace and security, as recognized by the UN Security Council. It has reached a crisis point and demands action from all of us, young and old, women and men.

ONLINE DIALOGUES & BLOGS: Why Won't Congress Pass the International Violence Against Women Act

As 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, approaches and the International Violence Against Women Act is poised for reintroduction in the US Congress, the time is now to prioritize ending violence against women and girls worldwide.

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