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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SUDAN: US Physicians Group Offers Evidence of Darfur Atrocities

A U.S.-based group of physicians on Tuesday released medical evidence of widespread torture, sexual assault and other human rights violations against civilians in Sudan's conflict-wracked Darfur region.

The study was released by the group Physicians for Human Rights in the peer-reviewed Internet medical journal, PLoS Medicine.

USA: Some Shocked at Opposition to Violence Against Women Act

Opposition to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has some who advocate for victims of domestic abuse scratching their heads.

BURMA: License to rape: How Burma's military employs systematic sexualized violence

Last week, a young woman from the Karen ethnic minority in Burma reported being “beaten, drugged, and sexually assaulted by two men wearing army fatigues.” In November 2011, reports emerged that four women were being kept as sex slaves by the Burmese military near the Kachin-China border; forced to cook and clean during the day and gang-raped at night by the soldiers in the Light Infantry Battalion 321.

USA: Our Commitment to Afghan Women

Over the course of a decade and through the administrations of two presidents of different political parties, the United States has maintained a consistent commitment to support the women of Afghanistan through the U.S.-Afghan Women's Council (USAWC).

DRC: Reducing Gender Based Violence in DRC through Behaviour Change Strategies

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become infamous in recent years as the “rape capital of the world,” known for its alarmingly high rates of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) in its eastern region.

INTL: Human Trafficking Victim Advocates Gather at the United Nations

Human trafficking was on the agenda today at the United Nations in New York as a UN General Assembly interactive dialogue meeting, “Fighting Human Trafficking: Partnership and Innovation to End Violence Against Women,” revealed that international funding efforts are falling short, in spite of ongoing organizational efforts to decrease the number of people forced to be world labourers.

NEPAL: Conflict and Women Victims

The debate on development, peace and the rule of law entails the notion of reciprocity, as one is necessarily anchored on the other. While development without peace is impossible, peace without the rule of law is unimaginable. Hence, each state provides certain provisions in its legislation to ensure peace in the country. A country can guarantee peace and order provided the state mechanisms are run in accordance with such legal provisions.

USA: Gwen Moore, Wisconsin Congresswoman, Recounts Her Rape Ordeal In House Floor Speech

As part of her floor speech pushing to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) on Wednesday, Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.) told the story of her own history of being sexually assaulted during her childhood and then raped as a young woman.

AFGHANISTAN: Jail May Await Afghan Women Fleeing Abuse, Rape

For Afghan women, the act of fleeing domestic abuse, forced prostitution or even being stabbed repeatedly with a screwdriver by an abusive husband, may land them in jail while their abusers walk free, Human Rights Watch said.

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