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: Women Condemn Rapes, Killings in Jonglei State

Women representatives from the Civil Society, United Nations Women Empowerment, Associations, and Women with disabilities yesterday condemned the killings of women and the recent rape cases reported in Jonglei States during the disarmament programmes.

LIBERIA: Nearly Hundred Liberian Women Participated in CMI's Consultations

To gain field-based knowledge on how gender-based violence (GBV) should be taken into account in future peace processes, CMI and its partner WANEP (West Africa Network for Peacebuilding) organised consultations at the end of February in three Liberian counties (Lofa, Bong, Nimba). These workshops were attended by over ninety women who shared their stories and views on gender-based violence in peace- and wartime Liberia.

PNG: Statement: Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women

At the end of her official country mission to Papua New Guinea, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, Ms. Rashida Manjoo, delivered the following statement:

SOUTH SUDAN: Women in South Sudan Face Repercussions of Violence

“Free at last” after decades of civil war with the north, South Sudan is building a nation from scratch. As women flood to the world's newest capital city, Juba, aid agencies say an effect of so many years of violence is that most women are unaware of their rights. One Israeli group, though, is battling to stamp out gender-based violence.

PHILIPPINES: Lanao Sur Stakeholders Address Women's Rights in Armed Conflict

Stakeholders from the various sectors in the province gathered last March 19 at the Institute of Peace and Development in Mindanao Convergence Hall of the Mindanao State University to address women's rights in armed conflict situations.

DRC: CBM'S Fistula Campaign Aims to Give Women Back Their Dignity

On 22nd March 2012, CBM, the overseas disability charity, will be running a UK wide awareness campaign about their work in the treatment and rehabilitation of women who have/have had Obstetric Fistula. The campaign aims to bring this "woman's issue" to the fore.

CBM, the overseas disability charity, funds many projects that treat obstetric fistula. These projects are located in regions where treatment is most needed.

INTERNATIONAL: UN Police Chief: 'Zero Impunity' for Peacekeepers Guilty of Sexual Abuse

The United Nations police chief today called on Member States to ensure that peacekeeping personnel found guilty of sexual exploitation and abuse are punished and that everything possible is done to prevent such crimes from being committed in the first place.

BURUNDI: Changing Lives in Burundi: "Now I am no longer beaten"

Burundian society has long been accustomed to domestic and sexual violence. These forms of violence surged to devastating levels during the civil war that engulfed Burundi from 1993 to 2005 and much of the violence has continued in its wake. The war shattered the structure and balance of families. During the war, women and girls were raped and beaten by combating forces.

INTERNATIONAL: UN Issues New Guidelines to Help Mediators Address Sexual Violence in Conflict

Under-Secretary-General B. Lynn Pascoe (right) and Special Representative Margot Wallström. UN Photo/Evan Schneider

The United Nations today unveiled new guidelines to help mediators address the problem of sexual violence in conflict by placing the issue high on the agenda when brokering peace agreements and ceasefires.

LIBYA: Historic Transition in Libya Must Not Forget the Survivors of Sexual Violence

As the Security Council last week voted unanimously to extend the mandate of the UN's political mission in Libya, its members expressed their deep concern about sexual violence in the country. The United Nations' mandate includes supporting the government in promoting democracy, restoring public security, and explicitly mentions the monitoring and protection of human rights, particularly those of women and vulnerable groups, which I welcome.

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