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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SUDAN: Calls for Sudan to end flogging of women

UN independent experts have urged Sudan to end flogging punishments for women accused of so called moral crimes, stressing that the practice amounts to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment that goes against international law.

Central African Republic: UN rights chief warns cycle of violence may 'spin out of control'

The top United Nations human rights official warned today that the deteriorating violence in the Central African Republic (CAR) may spin out of control, further destabilizing the country.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: Seleka Soldiers Raped Women, Girls in Bangui - Report

An excerpt from the Amnesty International report, "CAR: Human rights crisis spiralling out of control":

Amnesty International has received numerous reports from victims, witnesses and human rights defenders in the CAR of Seleka soldiers raping women and girls and targeting them for other forms of sexual violence.

INTERNATIONAL: Tackling Gender-Based Violence After 2015

This high-level moderated armchair discussion explores why gender, specifically gender-based violence, should be a standalone goal in the post-2015 framework. World Bank work has been ramping up significantly given that GBV is an important barrier to poverty reduction and shared prosperity. Follow the conversation on Twitter with #endgbv.

Panelists:

INTERNATIONAL: ICRC Hones in on Victims of Sexual Violence in Conflict

The International Committee of the Red Cross is stepping up its focus on victims of sexual violence in armed conflicts around the world, an issue the humanitarian agency says needs to be better understood and funded.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says more needs to be done to improve the documentation of sexual violence and the psychological support and healthcare given to victims of sexual violence and rape.

RWANDA: We Should Support Efforts to End Rape in Conflict

BY GITURA MWAURA, 10 OCTOBER 2013

ANALYSIS

Towards the end of last month, the UN General Assembly passed what was touted as "a landmark declaration to stop rape in conflict."

A record 113 countries - more than half of the UN member states in one sitting - agreed to support the Declaration. The countries expressed support for strengthened efforts to end rape in war.

PERU: Police Bust Human Trafficking Ring

October 4, 2013

By Rachel Chase

Police arrest seven accused of participating in human trafficking.

Law enforcement officers are making headway in the fight against human trafficking in Peru.

New Research on Gender, Peace, and Security and the Implementation of UNSCR 1325

The journal International Interactions has just published a special issue titled "A Systematic Understanding of Gender, Peace, and Security—Implementing UNSCR 1325", edited by Louise Olsson (Folke Bernadotte Academy) and Theodora-Ismene Gizelis (Unversity of Essex), and with contributions from PRIO-affiliated researchers.

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