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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ETHIOPIA: Condoning Crime Against Women

Gender equality is an issue that is afforded a significant amount of attention right now in Ethiopia. Many facets of public policy are designed to ensure the representation and benefit of women. For these reasons and many others, including the scores of exemplary women who have taken the lead against all odds, women are today offered more opportunities and are represented in every field.

EGYPT: Legal teams & advocates work to save women from domestic violence

In Egypt, domestic abuse is not a crime. When a woman is beaten by her husband, the authorities are seldom called. Hospital trauma centers see the extreme cases of internal bleeding and broken bones. Otherwise, it's only when marital violence shifts into child abuse that many women seek out help.

PHILIPPINES: The Department of Interior and Local Government to Conduct Activities Aimed at Ending Violence Against Women

The Department of Interior and Local Government enjoined all local governments to conduct activities towards ending violence against women.

This is in line with the observance of the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women which started November 25 to December 12.

SOUTH SUDAN: Yei Commissioner Vows to Fight Violence Against Women and Children

The Commissioner of Yei County in South Sudan's Central Equatoria State, Juma David Augustine, said on Tuesday that his administration will "not relent" in fighting all forms of violence against women and children.

INTERNATIONAL: Ban on Female Genital Mutilation Advanced at UN

Campaigners against female circumcision have scored a major victory with the approval by a United Nations committee of a resolution calling for a global ban on female genital mutilation (FGM).

The resolution, adopted by consensus by the UN general assembly's human rights committee, calls the practice harmful and a serious threat to the psychological, sexual and reproductive health of women and girls.

SUDAN: 16 Days Campaign Challenges Violence Against Women

On Sunday November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the start of the annual 16 days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign was launched in Sudan, Radio Dabanga has learned.

RWANDA: Governments Urged to Intensify Fight Against Women Violence

The UN Women Executive Director, Michelle Bachelet has called on governments to employ effective means to fight violence against women and girls.

In her message to mark the annual International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women that is marked on November 25, Bachelet said governments need to demonstrate more efforts and commitment to curb the violence.

Sierra Leone: World Court Struggles to Finish Mass Rape Cases

The international war tribunal set up to prosecute those responsible for the atrocities committed during Sierra Leone's 10-year civil war is known for its first-time indictments of rape as a war crime.

It's the first international court run by women, both local and international.

It could also be the first international tribunal forced to shutter its doors before its mandate expires in September 2013.

COLOMBIA: Rights Study Highlights Vulnerability of Colombia's Displaced Girls and Women

Ana Angelica Bello, 45, was coming out of the Ministry of Justice in 2009 when two men bundled her into a car, put a gun against her head and sexually assaulted her. They told her she was being punished for her work as an activist for the nation's displaced population.

DRC: A Red Armband for Dr. Mukwege

The situation has been very tense at Panzi Hospital since the assassination attempt on Doctor Denis Mukwege that forced him to flee home in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for Brussels. In last week's radio show L'Afrique en Action, our correspondent Ernest Muhero visited the hospital in Bukavu to see how his patients and colleagues are coping. Here's what he found.

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