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 >>

INTERNATIONAL: UN Expresses Concern on International Day to End Violence Against Women

Monday, November 25, is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The U.N. says gender-based violence is a serious violation of human rights and increases the risk of HIV infection.

The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS – UNAIDS – says every hour 50 young women become newly infected with HIV. Many of those infections are related to violence.

INDIA: India Assault Inquiry Marks Shift in Attitudes to Women's Rights

Indian police Sunday questioned witnesses in a sexual assault inquiry involving one of the country's most prominent journalists, marking a significant shift under way here in long-held attitudes about women's rights.

SYRIA: Rape Used as Weapon of War against Syria Women: Report

Women in Syria have been raped in detention, used as human shields during military operations and kidnapped to pressure and humiliate family members, a new report said on Monday.

PHILIPPINES: Typhoon Haiyan: UK Aid Delivery Must Assess RIsk of Violence Against Women

All UK partners delivering humanitarian aid to the Philippines are now required to assess the risk of violence against women and girls and address their needs in their operations as part of a £21.6m government package to tackle sexual violence in emergency situations.

MIDDLE EAST: Government to Urge for Action to Protect Women and Girls in Emergency Situations

The Government will urge for international action to protect women and girls from violence and sexual exploitation in emergency situations.

Girls and women in crisis situations, such as flood, famine and conflict, face a greater risk of abuse, violence, forced marriage and sexual exploitation.

Intervention in these cases are often not prioritised because their situation is not thought to be life-threatening.

INTERNATIONAL: Arab Spring Nations Backtrack on Women's Rights

Arab women played a central role in the Arab Spring, but their hopes the revolts would bring greater freedom and expanded rights for women have been thwarted by entrenched patriarchal structures and the rise of Islamists, gender experts in the countries say.

SYRIA: Syrian Women Suffer Inside Their Country and Out

Some Syrians say outrage over the sentencing of a teenage girl was a spark that started the country's two-and-a-half year revolt.

A month before protests started in March 2011, Tal al-Mallohi - a 19-year-old who blogged about wanting to shape her country's future - was sentenced to five years in jail on charges of spying.

Rwanda: Female Police Officers Vow to Prevent GBV

Female Police officers have vowed to fight for the rights of women and girls in their respective areas of operation by preventing gender related crimes, which are relatively still high in the country.

The female officers made the commitment on Saturday at the closure of this year's Female Police Convention held at the Peace Leadership Academy in Nkumba, Burera District.

INDIA: In India, Activists Work to Change Mindsets and Empower other Women

Ever since a young woman was brutally gang raped in New Delhi in 2012, the international media has focused on the culture of violence against women and sexual assault in India.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau in India, a woman there is raped every 20 minutes.

Pages