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: NGO Statement on Action Needed to Promote the Safety and Well-Being of Women and Girls in Kyrgyzstan

The recent outbreak of violence in Kyrgyzstan has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and resulted in a tragic loss of life due to ethnic clashes. As the humanitarian response mobilizes, the InterAction Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Working Group remains concerned about the impact of this crisis on women and girls. This document summarizes our concerns and offers recommendations for United States action.

VIDEO: Crisis in the Congo, Crisis in Sri Lanka, and Why UN WOMEN is a Step Forward

Mark Leon Goldberg chats with Dana Goldstein of The Daily Beast about her article on US - Congo policy. They also chat about Sri Lanka and the creation of UN WOMEN.

To watch the video, please click here.

CALL FOR ACTION: Letter To President Obama: Haiti: IFIS Must Address Gender Based Violence and End Debt

Gender Action recently sent a letter to President Obama, expressing dire concerns that the largest U.S. tax-payer funded assistance for Haiti does not address escalating rapes and other gender based violence and is indebting poor Haitians.

STATEMENT: Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Margot Wallström

Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Margot Wallström Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence as a Threat to Peace and Security Publication launch: Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence: An Analytical Inventory of Peacekeeping Practice.

VIDEO: Living in Fear. The Impact of Small Arms on Girls in Colombia

The movie "Living in fear: The impact of small arms on girl" explains how armed conflict, displacement and the relationship between machismo and gun ownership translates into domestic armed violence against women in Colombia. To see the movie, please click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYvAo2ubCFM

STATEMENT: Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Today, governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations around the world are marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by organizing awareness-raising activities in their communities.

SPEECH: Women- Israeli Mother Addresses European Parliament

Dr. Nurit Peled-Elhanan is the mother of Smadar Elhanan, 13 years old when killed by a suicide bomber in Jerusalem in September 1997. Below is Nurit's speech made on International Women's Day in StrasbourgThank you for inviting me to this today. It is always an honour and a pleasure to be here, among you (at the European Parliament).

BLOG: Is Obama Failing Congo?

The administration launched a $17 million program to fight rape in Congo—but is it effective? Dana Goldstein follows the money—and asks if Hillary Clinton's rhetoric matches reality. Plus: See our entire Congo package on Giving Beast.

BLOG: Congo's Anti-Rape Crusader

In a society without a word for “rape,” Chouchou Namegabe did the unthinkable—she aired graphic testimonies of rape survivors on the radio. Delphine Minou profiles one of the world's bravest journalists.

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