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 >>

SYRIA: UAE Condemns Sexual Violence in Syria Conflict

Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations pledges UAE's continued financial and psychological support to affected Syrians in refugee camps.

INTERNATIONAL: UN Urged to Curb Sexual Violence in Conflict Zones

More human and financial resources should be invested in the security sector reforms and disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration efforts to erect barriers against sexual violence in conflict situations all over the world, according to Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nations.

Masood Khan was speaking during the Security Council's debate on “Women and Peace and Security”.

UGANDA: Ugandan Parliament adopts Resolution to Address Needs of War-Affected Women

Years of advocacy by women's rights groups including those monitoring justice for women with disabilities in northern Uganda pays off.

BANGLADESH: Dhaka Joins Global Efforts Against Sexual Violence in Conflict

Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali in a letter to British Foreign Secretary William Hague conveyed the decision, the foreign ministry said on Sunday.

The British Foreign Secretary and UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict jointly launched the “Global Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual Violence in Conflict” in September last year at the 68th UN General Assembly in New York.

KOSOVO: Kosovo War Rape Victims Get Fresh Support

Some 15 years after the conflict in Kosovo ended, parliament has decided to offer legal rights to wartime rape victims by amending existing legislation.

Changes to an existing law that grants benefits to war victims and veterans were approved by 69 lawmakers on Thursday.

Human rights campaigners in Pristina welcomed the decision, saying it was “high time” to legally acknowledge rape victims of the conflict.

INTERNATIONAL: Women Seek Stand-Alone Goal for Gender in Post-2015 Agenda

The 45-member U.N. Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) concluded its annual 10-day session Saturday with several key pronouncements, including on reproductive health, women's rights, sexual violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and the role of women in implementing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

LEBANON: Lebanese March Against Domestic Violence

A number of alleged domestic violence killings in the past year in Lebanon have fueled a renewed attention on women's rights in the country, as victims' families and activists speak out.

Rights groups said two women lost their lives in tragic circumstances last month.

Manal Assi died after her husband reportedly beat her with a pressure cooker and Christelle Abu Shaqra died after her husband allegedly poisoned her.

KOSOVO: On the Trail of Women's Independence in Kosovo: Resolution 1325

So much has been said about it, so many small and international-scale conferences have been held in big salons, and so many informal talks in coffee bars...

INTERNATIONAL: Equality for Women is Progress for All


Today we join the people of the world in celebration of the progress made for women's rights, women's empowerment and gender equality. We also acknowledge that progress has been slow, uneven and in some cases women and girls face new and more complex challenges.

UNITED STATES:Gender-Based Violence Brings Together Congresswoman, NGOs and Women Against Honor Violence

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2014 -- /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to draw attention to the prevalence of honor violence – including forced marriage, disfigurement and female genital mutilation – in advance of International Women's Day, and to promote passage of the International Violence Against Women Act now pending in the U.S.

Pages