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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STATEMENT: Presidential Proclamation--Women's Equality Day, 2010

Ninety years ago, on August 26, 1920, the ratification of the 19th Amendment to our Constitution was completed, guaranteeing women the right to vote, renewing our commitment to equality and justice, and marking a turning point in our Nation's history. As we celebrate this important milestone and the achievements and shattered ceilings of the past, we also recognize the inequalities that remain and our charge to overcome them.

VIDEO: Confronting Rape and Other Forms of Violence Against Women in Conflict Zones Spotlight: DRC and Sudan

Testimonies at the congressional hearing on sexual violence in the Congo held on May 19, 2009 before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Subcommittee on African Affairs and the new Subcommittee on International Operations and Organizations, Human Rights, Democracy and Global Womens Issues.

Speakers:

MEETING: Peace, Security and Violence against Women – Is SCR 1325 delivering for women?

· Discuss VAW as a cause and a consequence of conflict and the work being done by the VAW Working Group
· Learn more about Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 on women, peace and security and the work of GAPS
· Speak to representatives from the Foreign Office about the revision of the National Action Plan on 1325

VIDEO: Ugandan Women Fight for Rights

Women with disabilities in northern Uganda experience ongoing discrimination and sexual and gender-based violence, Human Rights Watch group said in a report released on Thursday.

Many are marginalised, unable to gain access to basic services, including health care and justice, and they have been largely ignored in post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

VIDEO: Women@Google: Eve Ensler

Eve Ensler's newest work, I Am an Emotional Creature: The Secret Life of Girls Around the World, was released in book form by Villard/Random House on February 9. Made up of original monologues about and for girls, the book aims to inspire girls to take agency over their minds, bodies, hearts and curiosities.

VIDEO: Women's Rights in Afghanistan

Has the plight of Afghan women improved and what will happen when the US leaves? Video here.

STATEMENT: Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Situation in the DRC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The United States condemns in the strongest terms the recently reported mass rapes against innocent civilians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo committed by elements of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

VIDEO: Life Today for Afghan Women

Katie Couric interviews HRW researcher Zama Coursen-Neff. Ongoing Taliban attacks on women in Afghanistan show why women's rights should be a priority in any political agreement with insurgent forces. To see the interview please click here.

VIDEO: Our Bodies....Their Battleground

"Our bodies ... their battlegrounds" highlights the crisis facing women, girls and infants throughout the world, both during conflict and in its wake. This film gives a voice to victims of rape in The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Liberia, and seeks to challenge the culture of impunity that allows this violence to continue unchecked. In 2005, IRIN was awarded the first prize for Our Bodies...

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