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 >>

Women's Participation and WPS Accountability in Syria: Geneva II Peace Negotiations and Beyond

This side event creates a forum for member state and civil society stakeholders to learn more about women's experiences in the Syrian conflict and recommendations for transition, accountability and peace. The representatives of Syria civil society will speak about what can be done to realize the objectives of resolution 2122 (2013) and the wider Women Peace Security agenda in the Syrian context.

Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict

The Office of the SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict and UK's Prevention of Sexual Violence Initiative invite you for a side event on the margins of the 68th General Assembly Debate.

Download the flyer here

Male-Directed Sexual Violence: Increasing Understanding for a Better Response

Sexual violence in conflict disproportionately affects women and girls, and it has long been called history's oldest and least condemned crime. Rape as a weapon of war has been used in dozens of conflicts in the last century, and unfortunately this offence knows no geographic or gender boundaries.

Men, Peace and Security: Engaging Men and Boys to Promote Gender Equality and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence

The topic of Women, Peace and Security has become recognized as a key issue in global discussions today. It is rare to question men's role in these discussions, yet creating partnerships with men is critical to establishing gender equality and ending gender based violence.

WPS Lecture Series: Justice, Security, and Women's Leadership - UN Women's Priorities in Combatting Violence against Women in Conflict

Over the past five years there have been important advances in the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325, including an increased focus by the Security Council on the issue of conflict-related sexual violence.

UN HRC Panel: UN Universal Periodic Review & Violence Against Women & Girls

The UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review of UN Member States is an important mechanism/opportunity for NGO's to review gender components of individual country UPR Reports on human rights. The Final Reports of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group often contains gender-focused text that can be very useful in advocacy for the human rights of women and girls.

Violence Against Indigenous Women: Comparing Testimonies and Strategies

The MADRE organization held an event dedicated to the theme of violence against indigenous women, where they also shared strategies for combating violence against indigenous women. The event was held as a side event as part of the larger Twelfth Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

ONLINE WORKSHOP: Domestic Violence: Community Problem, Community Impact, Community Solutions

This online course will focus on outlining the many social and structural factors that lead to domestic violence, in particular, patriarchy, classism, and militarism. It will also highlight the ways domestic violence harms our communities, from increased healthcare costs to school-based problems, increased incarceration, reduced economic productivity and more.

Arms Trade Treaty Negotiations

The Final United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 18-28 March 2013. It was a follow-up on the work of the July 2012 Conference. It was designated as “final” to reflect the overwhelming commitment to conclude the ATT process and reach an agreement and produce a balanced, robust and effective Arms trade Treaty.

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