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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CALL TO ACTION: Say NO UNiTE to End Violence against Women Global Call for Action

Say NO – UNiTE to End Violence against Women is a global call for action, launched in November 2009, on ending violence against women and girls. It is presented by UNIFEM as a contribution to advance the objectives of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's campaign UNiTE to End Violence against Women through social mobilization. UNIFEM Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman is the Spokesperson of Say NO.

UNIFEM Commemorates November 25th and the 16 Days of Activism Campaign

UNIFEM is supporting local NGO activities in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan during the 16 Days campaign, which highlight the correlation between violence against women, HIV/AIDS and trafficking in women and girls.

Rural Indian Women Organize Violence Prevention

Though women throughout Medak have formed local watchdog groups, as day laborers making less than $1/day, they can't afford to take time off work to lobby effectively for their safety. Thus far, they have only been able to take reactive measures when violence occurs, such as taking victims to the hospital, tracking down the culprits, and turning them in to the authorities.

Online Petition Against Sharia Laws

Women's Rights Watch Nigeria is urging the Federal Government of Nigeria, through an online petition, to seek judicial interpretation on the validity of the imposition of Sharia laws in the Supreme Court.

Protect Women from Violence in Gujarat, India

Victims continue to seek justice for the February 2002 attacks against the Muslim minority in Gujarat, India. Violence against women and girls was a key feature of the attacks and authorities have failed to convict perpetrators and bring victims legal redress.

For more information, please click here.

Letter: Women Groups Call on the UN Security Council to Prosecute Senior General Than Shwe

WOMEN GROUPS AROUND THE WORLD CALL ON THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL TO PROSECUTE SENIOR GENERAL THAN SHWE AT THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT: IT'S TIME FOR THE UNITED NATIONS TO TAKE STRONG ACTION ON BURMA

June 25, 2009 - Letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Members of the UN Security Council

Your Excellencies,

88 Day Campaign Regarding Violence Against Women

Public meetings and rallies will be organiZed in the source areas and local NGOs are participating in this movement. Donors are invited to come forward to support our movement.

For more information about this campaign, please click HERE

Regional Women's Conference

The conference, dedicated to women's rights in the post-soviet countries, aimed at providing more information about the United Nations Convention on offences against women's rights. On the first day, women were informed about CEDAW's functions and duties.

Naked Facts: Women are Not Meat, Children are Not Slaves and People are Not Commodities

ASTRA is a nongovernmental organization in Serbia with a mission to combat human trafficking and trafficking of women in particular. To achieve this aim, ASTRA touches upon the causes of human trafficking, including post-conflict transitions, gender based discrimination and violence against women including domestic violence and the situation in Serbia in particular.

Rabat Appeal for the Regional Campaign Equality without Reservation

Despite recent advancements in the women's movement in many Arab countries, flagrant discrimination and violence continue to be perpetrated against women in both the public and private spheres throughout the region.

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