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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SOUTH SUDAN: Warrap Parliamentary Caucus Calls for Protection of Women

A women's parliamentary caucus in South Sudan's border state of Warrap has called for enactment of laws which upholds and respect women's rights and protects them from domestic violence, asserting that across the country women still faced considerable challenges.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Woman burned alive for 'sorcery' in Papua New Guinea

A woman has been tortured and burned alive in Papua New Guinea after being accused of using sorcery to kill a young boy, local media report.

The woman, a mother aged 20 named as Kepari Leniata, was stripped, tied up and doused in petrol by the boy's relatives in Mount Hagen in the Western Highlands, said the National newspaper.

She was then thrown onto a fire in front of hundreds of people.

INTERNATIONAL: Noting Progress, UN Urges Accelerated Efforts to Eliminate Female Genital Mutilation

As new data points to fewer girls being subjected to female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), United Nations agencies today called on countries to accelerate efforts to eliminate this life-threatening practice.

IRAQ: Interview: UN Women Helping "Raise Voice of Iraqi Women"

Among chaos in neighboring Syria and increasing refugees fleeing to Iraq, many Iraqi women are fighting to stop brutality against them and "raise the voice of Iraqi women" in the predominately male government, a senior UN official tasked with advancing gender equality in Iraq told Xinhua.

'INDIA: Change Society's Mindset to Curb Violence Against Women'

Don't wait for legal and judicial reforms to fight violence against women. Be the change you want to see. That's the message conveyed by 12 prominent Mumbaikars from different walks of life who came together on a platform organized by the Asia Society to deliberate on the way forward to deal with the bitter reality of violence and women.

Egypt: Gender-Based Violence Against Women around Tahrir Square

"I will not stay quiet. All women in Egypt need to wake up – those to whom this [sexual assault] happened and those to whom this didn't happen. Otherwise, such violence will continue..."
- Dalia Abdel Wahab, a protester and survivor of a violent sexual assault on 25 January 2013, speaking to Amnesty International

SOUTH AFRICA: South African Gang-Rape Murder Angers ANC Women

The death of a 17-year-old girl in South Africa after she was gang raped has been condemned by female politicians of the governing party.

The ANC Women's League said it was "disgusted" the by the weekend rape and murder in Bredasdorp, a town some 130km (80 miles) from Cape Town.

The girl is reported to have identified one of her attackers before she died and a man is now in custody.

EGYPT: Coalition Condemns Violence Against Women

Numerous movements, political parties, organisations and individuals took a united stand on violence against women. In a statement titled “Sexual violence and torture against women will not break their struggle to complete the revolution”, the wide range of signatories strongly condemned the chronic problem of sexual violence against women, especially in Tahrir Square during demonstrations.

SOMALIA: Somali Journalist Sentenced over Rape Report

Mogadishu court sentences journalist and alleged rape victim to one year each in jail, angering press freedom groups.

A Mogadishu court has sentenced an alleged rape victim and a Somali journalist who interviewed her to one year in prison each, court officials say, in a decision that has enraged press freedom groups.

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