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: Women as Agents of Change: Advancing the Role of Women in Politics and Civil Society

Statement by Esther Brimmer, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Organization Affairs House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight

Chairman Carnahan, Ranking Member Rohrabacher, and Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the invitation to testify.

VIDEO: Women on the Frontline - Democratic Republic of Congo

Women on the Frontline is a video documentary series, presented by Annie Lennox, that shines a light on violence against women and girls. The series takes the front to homes, villages and cities around the world where a largely unreported war against females is being waged.

PETITION: Say NO to Sexual Violence in Conflict

Women and girls hardly ever fight the world's wars, but they often suffer the most. Increasingly, they are the direct targets of fighting, when sexual violence is deliberately used as a tactic of warfare.

International Campaign to End Rape, Abduction, and Killing of Women in Iraq

Since the takeover of the interim government in Iraq, women have been increasingly subjected to rape, death and restriction of movement. Women have no protection from both the authorities and their own families, as the most reactionary Islamic norms and values are being brought back into force in the society because of these political changes.

The Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq Condemns Violence

The Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI) condemns the killings of women in Basra and Umara and calls for women's protection services. (OWFI via WiB)

Make Police and Military Best Allies in Combating Violence against Women, Urges UN Top Official

Message by UN-INSTRAW Director Carmen Moreno on the International Day for the Elimination of the Violence Against Women, 25 November 2006

Give Women a Voice: Help Make the UN Human Rights Council Work for Women's Rights

From April 10 to April 26, 2007, diplomats with the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) will meet in Geneva to define how the Council will carry out its work in the coming years.

Sign the IRC's Petition Today: Stop Sexual Violence In War

Simple, accessible, and cheap, rape is an extremely effective form of combat, used systematically to terrorize and humiliate. Rape is unmatched for its range of impact and scope of damage. It destroys entire communities. Sexual violence is not just a by-product of war. It's a military strategy, a tactic of genocide.The bodies of women and girls are battlegrounds in conflicts throughout the world.

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