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 >>

Congo: No Stability in Kivu despite Rapprochement with Rwanda: Summary and Recommendations

The plan to resolve the conflict in the Kivu by emphasising a military solution is failing. Two years after the rapprochement between Congolese President Joseph Kabila and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, government soldiers are still battling militias for control of land and mines. Neither side has the strength to win, but both have the resources to prolong the fighting indefinitely.

PETITION: Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

In August, shocking reports emerged that armed groups had systematically attacked villages in the Walikale territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), raping more than 300 women, girls, men and boys. Government security forces and United Nations peacekeepers stationed nearby failed to protect them. Survivors were left traumatized, sexually assaulted, in pain, without clothes or belongings.

Analysis: In Pursuit of Justice in Afghanistan

The International Criminal Court (ICC) should start investigating war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by various warring groups in Afghanistan since 2002 to help end a culture of impunity, says Sima Samar, chairwoman of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC).

“Without genuine justice, Afghanistan will continue suffering from rights violations, war and lawlessness,” she told IRIN.

OPINION: Time for Women to Call the Shots

Ten years ago, the United Nations Security Council unanimously approved Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security.

In short, “1325” (as the international law is known among advocates) seeks to elevate the decision-making of women in war zones and protect women during armed conflict.

MUSEUM: Women's Active Museum on War and Peace

In this summer of 2005, which marks the sixtieth anniversary of Japan's defeat in WWII, we are opening the Women's Active Museum of War and Peace.

CAMPAIGN: Haitian Women Find Power and Safety in Rape Whistles

Diana and Lisa's recent trip to Haiti reminded us of the remarkable power in a simple tool: a plastic whistle. During their visit, women from KOFAVIV, an organization founded by and for rape survivors, gathered in circles, singing, clapping, and dancing in place as brightly-colored whistles bounced from lanyards around their necks.

CAMPAIGN: to Combat Violence Against Women (Madre)

Help us raise $75,000 by December 1!

At first it seems like a radical idea: we can stop violence against women. But think about this:

The women with whom MADRE works have survived wars, natural and man-made disasters and crushing poverty. And always intertwined with those devastating events is violence against women. It's one of the common threads that, sadly, connects all our work.

VIDEO: Liberia: Tackling the Legacy of Violence against Women

Liberia — it was a country engulfed in war, its women bearing the brunt of the conflict. While peace finally did come, the legacy of violence against women continues to haunt the country. Liberia is proactively addressing the issue on various fronts: a special court has been established and the number of women in the police force is being increased -- not least the result of more women in decision-making positions.

LAUNCH: GSMA mWomen's Program

AMBASSADOR VERVEER: Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the State Department and to the launch of mWomen. mWomen is about bringing together women and mobile technology to advance gender equality and global development, and as a result of that marriage, a better world for all of us.

Pages