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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SRI LANKA: Female Journalists Walk on Eggshells in Sri Lanka

The year was 1998 and porters at the wholesale vegetable market in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo had gone on strike, virtually suspending vegetable distribution in the city and its suburbs.

A national news channel, Sri Lanka Maharaja Television, had dispatched a crew of reporters to cover the porters' union general meeting; the atmosphere was charged and tension was palpable.

MENA REGION: Arab Women Must Fight Back

We are now supposed to be in the midst of celebrating the 2nd anniversary of the Arab Spring. However, there is a legitimate question of whether or not there is actually anything to celebrate; particularly for women.

INDIA: Of Men, By Men, All for Women

Men don't cry. Most men don't enter the kitchen or change baby diapers either. Most men resent their wives working and contributing financially to the household. These stereotypes may dominate our minds but across India, there are several men working with and mobilizing men solely on women's issues.

INDIA: Another Woman Dies in Chennai After Acid Attack

A second woman died of injuries sustained in an acid attack in Chennai in less than a fortnight, her vital organs collapsing on Sunday due to infection from fourth degree burns after an obsessed lover attempted to kill her on January 30.

Vidya (21) died 12 days after Vinodhini (23) suffered fatal cardiopulmonary failure in a city hospital on February 12, following a similar attack in Karaikal on November 14.

LEBANON: Lebanese Women Take to the Streets and Dance for their 'Rights'

Dozens of Lebanese women dance in front of the home of the country's parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, to send a clear message of urgency to pass a law that looks to protect women from domestic violence.

BANGLADESH: Bangladesh Parliament Amends War Crime Law to Challenge Sentence

Bangladesh's parliament has amended a law allowing the state to appeal against the life sentence given to an opposition leader for his role in mass killings and rape during the 1971 war for independence.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators in central Shahbag Square cheered as the assembly approved the changes on Sunday.

AFGHANISTAN: Afghan Rape Victim 'Attacked Again By Government Workers Protecting Her'

A teenage Afghan rape victim who secured a rare conviction of her attacker has said she was assaulted this month for a second time, by a group of government employees tasked with protecting her.

India: Three Girls Raped and Murdered, Aged 5, 9 and 11

India has been hit by another case of sexual violence after three sisters aged five, nine and 11 were raped and murdered in a remote village.

BANGLADESH: Gang Rape Incident, a Lesson for Bangladesh

Bangladesh's rights leaders have joined in the call of the neighbouring India for an end to crimes against women.

The December 16 gang rape of a medical student in New Delhi triggered violent public protests over attitude towards women in the country and raised a unanimous demand that actions be taken to strengthen laws against sexual violence.

BANGLADESH: Law to Speed up Rape Trials Sought in Bangladesh

In the wake of several recent rape incidents, a group of lawyers in Bangladesh yesterday demanded formulation of a new law to set up speedy trial tribunals for expeditious trial of rape cases.

Terming rape a "social disease", they also emphasised building awareness and social movement against sexual harassment and repression of women.

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