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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SYRIA: Fighting Sin With Sin, the Twisted Morals of Rapists in the Syrian Conflict

“Wahhabist fighters have called the rape as ‘Jihad al-Nikah,' assuming women and girl as war prisoners, and raping them as permissible,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said, in the first official recognition of the phenomenon in Syria.

AFGHANISTAN: Anger as Afghan MPs Halt Women's Bill Debate

Islamic fundamentalist politicians in Afghanistan have stopped a debate on whether to give parliamentary approval to a law protecting women against violence.

Proceedings were brought to an end amid angry scenes when traditionalists demanded a repeal of the law.

ECUADOR: Young Men Break with Machista Stereotypes in Ecuador

At the age of 20, Damián Valencia speaks knowledgeably about every aspect of gender equality. He is a member of Cascos Rosa, a young people's initiative working for cultural change against machismo and violence against women in Ecuador.

SOMALIA: Inside the Rape Crisis Center Thats Helping Somalia's Women

In a classroom tucked away from the world in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, students practice spelling.

Ranging in age from 6 to 11, these girls all have one thing in common: They have either been raped or suffered through the rape of a loved one.

Even the 6-year-old is a rape survivor. The baby of the class, she can't quite keep up with the spelling lesson but is happy to clap along.

LIBERIA: ERU Officers Gang Rape Woman

Three officers of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) of the Liberia National Police have reportedly ganged raped a 23-year-old woman in Yekepa, Nimba County.

The ERU officers had earlier offered the victim a lift in their car, but while on the Yekepa-Sanniquellie highway, they stopped and held the victim at gunpoint before raping her, the Ministry of Gender Child Welfare Office in Nimba has reported.

INDIA: India's Women Activists Seeing Red

India's "Red Brigade" is a group of angry young women with a simple message for the country's sexual predators: change your ways or be ready to face the consequences.

Dressed in bright red shirts and loose black pants, the brigade's members are fed up with deeply ingrained patriarchal mindsets and promote a brand of vigilante justice that is testing the law in their home state of Uttar Pradesh.

SOMALIA: The First Lady On Violence Against Women

Asha Haji Elmi was born in Somalia in 1962 where she graduated from the Somali National University in Mogadishu. She e also holds a Master's degree in business administration from the International University of the United States.

EGYPT: Egyptian Women Angry After President's Advisor Says Harassment

Egyptian women are livid after an advisor to President Mohamed Morsi said that statistics on sexual harassment and sexual violence in the country are “exaggerated.” Omaima Kamel, on the Board for Women's Affairs, said on Wednesday that the Interior Ministry should “provide realistic numbers” on violence against women in the country.

LIBERIA: After Punishment, Stigmatize Rapists As Deterrence

Throughout the lengthy regime of President Tubman, murder and rape were considered two terrible crimes that warranted not only drastic punishment for perpetrators, but they were permanently stigmatized in society.

MALI: Little Support, No Justice for Mali Rape Survivors

During the rebel takeover of northern Mali in April 2012, many women said they were subjected to rape or sexual assault. Since then, little or no support has come through for these women, say aid workers.

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