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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CONFERENCE: A Day-by-Day Struggle

From the struggle to keep domestic violence shelters open to the machinations of which mullah to align with, a discussion with four Afghan politicians reveals the challenges women face. Helen G reports.

Four Afghan women met in London this International Women's Day to talk with UK women's rights campaigners about their achievements and day-to-day challenges.

ANALYSIS: Middle East's Paradigm Shift: Rape is No Longer Accepted Here

“Women and men of the Middle East condemn the rape of our bodies, the rape of our dignity and freedoms.”

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Former President of Israel Moshe Katsav was sentenced to seven years by the Tel Aviv District Court on March 22nd for two counts of rape and other sexual offenses against female employees. Once enjoying public acclaim and attention at the top of Israeli society, Katsav is now to enter prison in May.

The Global Virtual Knowledge Centre to End Violence against Women and Girls

The Global Virtual Knowledge Centre to End Violence against Women and Girls is an online resource in English, French and Spanish, designed to serve the needs of policymakers, programme implementers and other practitioners dedicated to addressing violence against women and girls.

STATEMENT: Egyptian Women Protesters Forced to Take 'Virginity Tests'

Amnesty International has today called on the Egyptian authorities to investigate serious allegations of torture, including forced ‘virginity tests', inflicted by the army on women protesters arrested in Tahrir Square earlier this month.

ANALYSIS: A Tale of Three Nations: Freedom, Religion and the Rights of Women

As the youth-led Freedom Movement of 2011 spreads rapidly across the Middle East and around the world, one can only wonder what would be happening in Iraq today if the U.S. had not invaded eight years ago. What does the movement portend for the rights of women in other nations, such as Tunisia and in the United States?

COMMENTARY: Despite Democracy in Iraq, Women Actually Losing Freedoms

A new report shows gains for women's rights across most of North Africa and the Middle East. But not in Iraq. The country with a large US military presence for so many years is actually backsliding when it comes to overall conditions for women.

STATEMENT: Concerns Over Proposed Changes to New European Treaty on Violence Against Women

Amnesty International is profoundly concerned that last minute efforts are being made to unravel key provisions in the Council of Europe's Draft Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (1). Such moves are particularly shocking, given that these proposals come very shortly before final adoption of the treaty, and after two years of detailed negotiation.

ANALYSIS: Getting The Balance Right: Gender Equality Is Common Sense

You can tell a great deal about a country by the way it treats its women and children. The status that they occupy in the hierarchy of the society is usually a good indicator of whether the country is progressive or backward, oppressive or caring. What can we say about Jamaica?

ANALYSIS: "The Rising of the Women Means the Rising of Us All"

In the 1970s, the women's liberation movement had a badge that proclaimed: women who seek equality with men lack ambition. We don't want to participate as equals in the violence, oppression and greed of patriarchal power, says Rebecca Johnson.

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