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 >>

ANALYSIS: Exploring Militarism and Violence Against Women

The 16 days call to action for women's activism explores the structures of violence by defining the intersections of Militarism and violence against women.

STATEMENT: UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid's Message on the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women

‘Today I join UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other leaders in condemning violence against women and calling for stronger action to end impunity.

Every woman has the right to live in dignity—free of fear, coercion, violence and discrimination. Every woman has the right to health, including sexual and reproductive health. Yet, for hundreds of millions of girls and women worldwide, these human rights are denied.

ANALYSIS: Liberia, On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

On behalf of the UN family and on my own behalf, I wish to express delight at the presence of Her Excellency the President at today's event. This, for us, is clear testimony of Her Excellency's personal commitment to issues relating to women, their wellbeing and empowerment.

CAMPAIGN: Listen to her Cries

Next Thursday (25th November) marks a special day for my extended family. It marks the graduation and end of academic year for the Davuilevu Theological College with 11 ministers expected to graduate with a Diploma in Theology. It is my mother's 72nd birthday.

CAMPAIGN: Muslim Women Unite Against Sexual Violence

Scores of women's organisations from Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia joined forces last week for a sensational campaign led by the Coalition for Sexual and Bodily Rights in Muslim Societies (CSBR).

BLOG: Countering Violence Against Women, One Person at a Time

November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days Campaign, a coordinated series of worldwide events to call attention to gender-based violence.

EVENT: Creating DMZ's- Everyone's Responsibility

“Creating DMZs – Everyone's Responsibility”

The Book Café, Fife Ave Mall (upstairs)
Thursday 25 November, 2010 – 5.30-7pm

Speakers: Jona Gokova (Crisis Coalition), Netty Musanhu (Musasa Project), 3rd Speaker (TBC) and Chaired by Sally Dura

VIDEO: Cambodian Lawmaker Focuses on Rights for Women

Nobel Prize nominee Mu Sochua, an advocate for rule of law and rights for women in Cambodia, is a remarkable study in contrasts.

PRESS STATEMENT: Addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

The first meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum Reference Group to Address Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) was held on 16 November 2010 at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva.

Pages