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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DEMONSTRATION: Egyptian Women Gather to Protest Against Sexual Harassment, Violence

In a few hours a large group of Egyptian women will gather in Talaat Harb Sqaure in Cairo to protest against sexual harassment. Activists say the new wave of sexual violence seems more coordinated than ever before. Last week a group of demonstrators calling for an end to the sexual harassment of women were attacked by a group of men who reportedly ripped women's clothes off, groping and punching them as they marched across Tahrir Square.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Arms supplies fuelling unlawful killings and rape

Political leaders must act immediately and halt arms supplies to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where they continue to fuel unlawful killings, rape, looting and abductions, Amnesty International said in a new report published today.

INDONESIA: The Endless Effort of Women Survivors

Do you know that there are many women survivors working hard to fight for justice and to find closure of their cases? Do you know that they work tirelessly in every level: From the grassroots, to the community and even national level?

The International Campaign to Stop Rape and Gender Violence in Conflict

Organizations and individuals around the world have worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of survivors and stop rape. The International Campaign to Stop Rape & Gender Violence in Conflict unites us into a powerful and coordinated effort for change.

Urgent Action: Honduras Set to Ban Emergency Contraceptive

Honduras is on the verge of becoming the only country in the world that criminalises the emergency contraceptive pill due to a Supreme Court conclusion that a ban is not unconstitutional. Women and girls who have been raped or whose contraceptive method has failed will no longer have the option of emergency contraception. The fundamental rights of Honduran women and girls are in jeopardy.

Justice For Colombia: ICTU, Women's TUC Call for Liliany Protection

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has written to the Colombian embassy requesting that the Colombian government provide urgent protection to recently-released political prisoner Liliany Obando. The letter also requests that the government act to end false accusations against her. The letter from David Begg, the General Secretary of the ICTU, says “your government claims to be improving human rights.

SRI LANKA: Women in solidarity for Peace

With a hope for peace in post-war Sri Lanka, the N-Peace Network in partnership with Search for Common Ground in Sri Lanka has initiated an advocacy campaign on Women, Peace & Security, in line with this year's theme of International Women's Day (IWD) ‘Connecting girls, Inspiring Futures'.

AUSTRALIA: UN Women Parliamentary International Women's Day Breakfast: Speech by Hon Julie Collins, Minister for the Status of Women

Speech delivery location: Parliament House, Canberra

Good morning and welcome to the UN Women Parliamentary International Women's Day Breakfast.

Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we are meeting on today and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present.

VIDEO: Protecting Afghan Women

As the U.S. and Britain discuss timetables for leaving Afghanistan, there is growing concern among some Afghans – particularly women – about the country the coalition will leave behind. The Daily Beast's Gayle Lemmon discusses. Video available at the source.

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