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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LIBERIA: Liberian Journalist Faces Death Threats over Female Circumcision, or Genital Mutilation Writings

The Liberian journalist who wrote about the practice of female circumcision, or genital mutilation (FGM), and its health risks in Liberia said she is still receiving threats and harassment from people who feel that her writings betrayed a traditional practice.

Mae Azango of FrontPage Africa and New Narratives was one of the recipients of this year's Committee to Protect Journalists' International Press Freedom Award.

SOUTH AFRICA: Report: 90% Of South African Women Abused

Marching on Pretoria's Union Buildings in protest of marginalization and mistreatment under apartheid in 1956, 20,000 women chanted a rallying cry proclaiming strength and determination, "Wathint'Abafazi Wathint'imbokodo!" ("Now you have touched the women, you have struck a rock!").

Since then, women throughout the country have come a long way, except for one place: at home.

DRC: Congolese Women Plead For Help In Ending Violence, Crimes Against Women

Women in Africa's Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are calling on President Barack Obama to lend resources and influence in putting an end to the brutal violence against women taking place in that country.

AFGHANISTAN: UN Calls For More Afghan Women Protection

A new report released by the UN says Afghan women are still victims of abuse despite some success by authorities in prosecuting cases of rape, forced marriages and domestic violence.

The UN collected information from 22 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces over a 12-month period ending in September to find out how existing laws protecting women were being implemented.

MALI: Al-Qaeda Linked Group Detains Mali Women

New fighting and a crackdown on women not wearing veils by Islamist militants has marred peace moves by two rival groups in Mali's desert north despite pledges they were ready for peace talks with Bamako.

In Islamist-controlled Timbuktu, a local official said dozens of women were arrested on Thursday by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) for not wearing veils.

DRC: Surge in Sexual Violence in North Kivu

Sexual violence is on the rise as armed groups continue to move across the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) North Kivu Province, officials say.

SIERRA LEONE: Bangura Rethinks U.N.'s Sex-Violence Patrol

Zainab Bangura has taken over one of the United Nations' most thankless top positions: tackling a world's worth of horror stories as the secretary general's special representative on sexual violence in conflict.

A survivor of Sierra Leone's fierce civil war, she says her personal experiences constantly inform her current work.

KURDISTAN: Kurdistan PM Helps Launch Campaign to Combat Violence Against Women

Kurdistan Regional Government KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani joined the High Committee of the Campaign Combatting Violence Against Women to open a conference on promoting women's rights and combatting domestic violence in Erbil yesterday.

CENTRAL / EAST AFRICA: Refugees 'Are Forced Into Destitution' in Britain Because They Cannot Be Sent Back

Thousands of people who have fled some of the world's most dangerous countries are being forced into destitution, begging and prostitution on British streets because they cannot be sent back, the Home Office is warned today.

COTE D'IVOIRE: Transgender Prostitutes Face Abuse in Ivory Coast

It seemed like a case of simple blackmail. Late one night last month, two cars carrying around 10 soldiers pulled up to a group of prostitutes in Abidjan's Vallon neighborhood and began demanding bribes.

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