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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LATIN AMERICA: Violence Against Women in Latin America Everyday Aggression

Laws to punish domestic violence are too often honoured in the breach
Sep 21st 2013 | BUENOS AIRES | From the print edition

Protect her
ONE night last year police received a call from worried residents of a wealthy area of San Salvador, El Salvador's capital, who thought they had heard a woman being beaten up by her partner. A few minutes later they called back to say they had heard gunshots ring out from the house.

UNITED STATES: U.S. Works to End Domestic and International Gender Violence

Washington — The Obama administration is redoubling its efforts to end gender violence in the United States, as well as around the world.

JAPAN: NHK Chief's Sexual Slavery Comments an "Insult"

The new head of Japan's national broadcaster NHK defence of the country's wartime military sexual slavery is deplorable, said Amnesty International.

At his first press conference since his appointment, Katsuto Momii is reported to have said the practice was common in any country at war and he was puzzled at the international outcry of its use.

Roseann Rife, East Asia Research Director at Amnesty International commented:

EGYPT: Egypt's Shame : Why Violence Against Women Has Soared After Mubarak

In late November 2013, Egyptian police rounded up 14 female activists in downtown Cairo, including three prominent women who had helped lead the first protests against former President Hosni Mubarak's regime in 2011. Three years later, the women were still at it, now protesting military trials against civilians and a draconian new law banning public demonstrations without a permit.

CAMBODIA: Report Finds Poor Implementation of Domestic Violence Law

Preliminary research in two provinces has found that a lack of implementation of the domestic violence law means that women continue to suffer abuse and more needs to be done to ensure that attitudes change and perpetrators are held accountable.

INDIA: India's Women-Friendly Gun Renews Debate Over Self-Defense Against Rape

In India, a new female-friendly handgun has sparked renewed scrutiny over how women can protect themselves from sexual violence.

DRC: Victimized twice: DRC women rebound after war, rape

Living in the lush mountainous region in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Wivine Mwbawa would spend hours each day walking through the forest to fetch water for her family.


It was on a routine daily run a year-and-a-half-ago when she was ambushed and raped by three soldiers. She returned home to find that rebels had slaughtered her mother, father and two brothers.

SOMALIA: Reports of sexual exploitation and abuse by AMISOM increased

In its annual report, the Human Rights Watch organization released on Tuesday blasts that Women and girls in Somalia face alarming levels of sexual violence throughout the country.

AFGHANISTAN: Violent Crime Against Afghan Women Hits Record Levels, says Rights Chief

Violent crime against women in Afghanistan hit record levels and became increasingly brutal in 2013, the head of the country's human rights commission said this weekend — a sign that hard won rights are being rolled back as foreign troops prepare to withdraw.

MOROCCO: Morocco Set to Repeal Controversial Rape Section in Penal Code

Morocco aims to toss part of its penal code allowing rapists who marry their victims to go free, lawmakers told Al Jazeera Wednesday.

Article 475 of the Moroccan penal code is a controversial holdover from the North African kingdom's colonial era that has in recent years resulted in some rape victims committing suicide.

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