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: All-Women Armed Battalion Forms in Homs

A group of women claiming to be from the Syrian city of Homs announced this week the formation of the first exclusively female armed organization to fight against the Syrian regime.

“We are a group of women from Homs and we have formed the Banat al-Walid battalion,” announced a member of the group in a video posted on the Internet Monday.

DRC: Security Council Deplores Recent Mutiny, Killing and Abuse of Civilians

The Security Council today strongly condemned the recent mutiny by renegade soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as well as the killing and abuse of civilians, mostly women and children, by armed groups operating in the eastern part of the country.

SOUTH AFRICA: Government Must Reinstate Special Rape Courts

Earlier this morning I protested along with the Democratic Alliance Women's Network (DAWN) outside the Roodepoort Magistrates Court. Our protest coincided with the start of the trial of the four boys and three men who are accused of the brutal gang-rape of a mentally disabled girl in Soweto.

ZIMBABWE: Healing the Wounds of Gender Based Violence

A small garage in Chitungwiza has become a centre of hope and rejuvenation for victims and perpetrators of gender based violence.

Local Councillor Clara Makwara established the Instant Truth and Justice Forum from her home in 2010. At that time she had zero budget – and a big heart. Her aim: to reduce GBV in her community by at least 50% by 2015.

INTERNATIONAL: Motion for Canada's Leadership on Ending Sexual Violence Introduced in House of Commons Today

The New Democratic Party of Canada introduced a motion to the House of Commons to make Canada a leader in ending sexual violence in conflict worldwide. The motion was announced today shortly after 3 pm in the House of Commons.

MIDDLE EAST: Arab Spring vs. Women's Rights

In the "Arab Spring" countries in transition, women are now marginalized or excluded entirely from political bodies. Denial of one's fundamental right to participate in the democratic process in one's own country is one form of violence. Yet it is not, unfortunately, alone in the pattern of violence involving restrictions on women.

NAMIBIA: Gender-Based Violence Strongly Condemned

The Minister of Works and Transport, Erkki Nghi­mtina, has called on the youth to condemn acts of violence against women and children, and passion killings.

Addressing youth at the Swapo Party Youth League Ohangwena Regional Conference at Eenhana last Saturday, Nghimtina said it was disappointing that cases of passion killings, particularly among young people, were on the increase.

CAMBODIA: Less Power for Cambodian Women, Report Says

Cambodian women have fewer opportunities than men, and less access to economic and political positions of power, a World Bank report says.

RWANDA: Employers Warned Against Sexual Exploitation

Transparency Rwanda (TR) has cautioned banks and other employers to desist from asking for sexual favours from women seeking employment.

Citing a past survey conducted by TR, Francine Umurungi, in charge of Institutional Development and Advocacy in Transparency Rwanda, said most women aspiring for positions in banks suffer from sexual exploitation from the managers.

USA: "Invisible War" Documentary Tackles Military Rape

Filmmakers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering explore rape within the U.S. military in the documentary "The Invisible War", which opens in select movie theaters on Friday.

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