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 >>

LIBERIA: One Billion Rising for Justice in Liberia

"Violence against women, violence against our mothers and sisters has reached an unacceptable level and we all must join efforts to put this to an end," says Oniel Bestman, one of many men who participated in the One Billion Rising for Justice Campaign in Monrovia.

It was a sunny Friday afternoon. The sky was blue and a special feeling of love and affection filled the air... it was Valentine's Day.

SIERRA LEONE: For GBV Women Demand Justice in Sierra Leone

The women of Port Loko District on Valentine's Day celebrated the first One Billion rising in Africa V-Day on the theme, ‘Strike, Dance and Demand Justice' from the police, education, health and the judiciary.

EL SALVADOR: Women in El Salvador ready to Take Charge after Women Leadership in Politics Course

On 14 January 2014 the closing ceremony of the VII course on Women Leadership was held in the municipality of Antiguo Cuscatlan, in El Salvador.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Gender-based violence: stop looking for 'proof' and put survivors first

Time is a luxury and those without money, safety and security don't have it. What the current situation in Central African Republic, the crisis in Democratic Republic of Congo in 2012 and the response to the Haiti earthquake in 2010 have in common is that lives were lost, and bodies and minds irreparably damaged, by the wasting of precious time looking for 'proof' of violence against women and girls.

SOMALIA: Human Rights Watch Asks Somalia to Protect Women

In recent years, Somali women and girls living in makeshift camps in and around Mogadishu have experienced a wave of sexual violence. Local and international rights organizations have blamed both government soldiers and militia groups. In a report released Thursday, Human Rights Watch called on the Somali government to adopt reforms to deal with widespread sexual violence against women.

AFGHANISTAN: Karzai Calls For Amendment of Afghan Law Decried as Dangerous to Women

Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Monday withheld his signature and instead asked for revisions to a new law that rights activists had widely denounced as an obstacle to prosecuting crimes of violence against women.

COLOMBIA: UK takes Campaign to Stop War-zone Rape to Colombia

Britain's foreign minister William Hague has urged world leaders to make tackling and rape in armed conflicts a top global priority.

Speaking in Bogota on Monday at an event to raise awareness about sexual violence in , British Hague said “global attitudes to these crimes” must change and more efforts must be focused on prosecuting those responsible.

SOMALIA: Women Shouldn't Live in Fear of Rape

Somalia's new cabinet should urgently adopt meaningful reforms to confront rampant sexual violence, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Over the past year, women and girls endured high levels of rape and sexual abuse, including by government soldiers, in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu.

CANADA:National News: NDP Works to End Violence Against Aboriginal Women

The NDP is joining forces with the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) to urge the Conservative government to finally take action to end violence against Aboriginal women.

AFGHANISTAN: Afghan Law on Domestic Violence Testimony Limits Women's Rights, say Critics

A new draft law in Afghanistan that would limit testimony in domestic violence cases is drawing international outcry, with activists warning it is part of a broader trend toward rolling back women's rights in the nation.

Pages