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.

For more resources on this Critical Issue, visit PeaceWomen Resource Center >>

Nominations for "Women Inspiring Europe" Calendar 2012

The European Institute for Gender Equality aims to promote gender equality, to fight discrimination based on sex and to raise awareness of EU citizens of gender issues. With the "Women Inspiring Europe" Calendar, EIGE aims to give visibility and pay homage to some of Europe's most remarkable women, through highlighting their achievements and success stories.

AFGHANISTAN: Women in Kabul Lying Low after bin Laden's Death; Should We?

By coincidence, as the news was breaking last week about the death of Osama bin Laden, I was reading a book that described in vivid detail the violence, the fear and the hunger women and girls in Kabul, Afghanistan, endured during the time when the Taliban was in complete control.

STATEMENT: National Commission on the Status of Women, Pakistan - On The Verdict Of Supreme Court In Mukhtaran Mai Cas

The National Commission on the Status of Women and members of Insani Huqooq Ittehad, including PODA, Mehergargh, Aurat Foundation, Rozan, Sungi, Bedari, Ethno Media, Pattan and SPO convened an emergency meeting to express deep shock and disappointment at the verdict given by the superior court in the Mukhtara Mai gang rape case today.

STATEMENT: U.S. Strategy to Address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the DRC

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) includes the use of rape and sexual terror as a tactic of war in the conflict-affected eastern provinces, as well as pervasive violence against women and girls throughout the rest of the country. Men and boys are also victims of these abuses, but are often overlooked as a vulnerable population.

INITIATIVE/CAMPAIGN: Muslims Debating Harassment, Standing Up for Women's Rights via Harassmap.com

Conservative Muslim bloggers and women's rights activists bring harassers and inadequate legal and cultural protection to task, with women leading the charge.

MULTI-MEDIA: Gaddafi Forces Accused Of Rape

There has been escalating violence, especially sexual assaults, against women in Libya.

The accusations are levelled at forces of the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Some women say they were taken to the desert in groups. Others say they were raped in front of their families.

Opposition fighters say they have found Viagra pills in tanks and cars captured from the Gaddafi forces.

BLOG: Rape And Not Rape

Once more the LJWorld shows it's inherent political bias in refusing to publish information that very well may have far reaching consequences for the national Republican Party. Day before yesterday, the US House of Representatives passed House Resolution 3, the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act". (Link to the full text of the bill is here:

OPINION: Sexual Attacks on Journalists: Why Foreign Women are Seen as Fair GTame

I read with horror recently what my friend and colleague Lynsey Addario experienced after being held by rag-tag soldiers in Libya. Addario, a talented photojournalist whom I've worked alongside in various conflict zones, was captured along with three other New York Times journalists in Ajdabiya on March 15 and subjected to treatment that is nothing short of terrifying.

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