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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OPINION: The Word on Women - DR Congo and the Consequences of War - an Insight From the Ground

The Spread of Violence in South Kivu

Most victims are women and girls

South Kivu is a province that is located in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo-DRC. This province has experienced a lot of troubles due to the consecutive wars that have torn apart the DRC.

The consequences of these wars were blind; they affected almost every person and thing in the province in one way or another.

STATEMENT: NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security: Statement on the Democratic Republic of Congo

The NGO Working Group on Women Peace and Security is alarmed at the latest reports by its member organizations and the United Nations of mass rape and other crimes against civilians perpetrated in the Fizi area of South Kivu by troops of the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).[1] The NGO Working Group urges the Government of the DRC, the United Nations and Member States to heed the voices of Congolese women, who have repeat

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Call for papers on harmful practices

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child both contain legally binding obligations in relation to the elimination of harmful practices affecting girls under eighteen that are based on gender stereotypes and prejudices grounded in patriarchy.

AUDIO: Sexual Violence as a Tool of Torture and Weapon During Conflict

This Webinar gives a background of sexualized violence as a form of torture and the significant impact and consequences of this type of violence on survivors. The great challenges survivors of this type of violence face are offered as well as treatment options and considerations.

STATEMENT: Sexual Violence and the Political and Security Implications in the Congo

First, thank you for including me on today's panel. I commend the Wilson Center and International Crisis Group for taking on this difficult and critical topic. The mass rape of well over 100 women just days ago in South Kivu is a disheartening reminder that despite international efforts, we still have a very long way to go before we can claim any success. Thank you to Dr. Mukwege for your inspiring work.

GJC Campaign in Support for Full Medical Care to Girls and Women Raped in Armed Conflict

Today, thousands of girls and women raped and impregnated in armed conflict are routinely denied critically needed abortions in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burma and Sudan, despite hundreds of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid made available to victims in conflict.

AUDIO: Mass Rape of South Kivu Villagers by Former DR Congo Rebels

The Democratic Republic of Congo has become infamous as the rape capital of the world.

New reports have emerged that at least 60 women were raped over a couple of days in a group of villages in South Kivu province in the east of the country earlier this month.

The rapes are said to have occurred in an area where former rebels who had been integrated into the army deserted and turned against the local population.

Meeting: 18th GIMAC Pre-Summit Press Release: Civil Society Organizations Advise AU Member States on How Youth Can Contribute to Sustainable Development and Peace and Security in Africa

Civil Society Organizations advise AU Member States on how youth can contribute to sustainable development and peace and security in Africa

The 18th GIMAC Pre-Summit, a Shadow Event to the African Union Summit, will focus on the key issues affecting the youths in Africa and will bring recommendations at the AU Head of States Summit.

STATEMENT: NEPAL: Criminalizing Torture and Bringing it to an End: a Test for Nepal's Democracy

Every year, 26 June marks the day to remember and renew our support to those who have been victims of torture worldwide. A day in support of victims of torture mandates to review which steps were accomplished in the past year to bring torture to an end.

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