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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SOLOMON ISLANDS: SI highest amongst highest in violence against women

United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence against women Ms Rashida Manjoo has reported Solomon Islands have the high incidence of violence against women.

PAKISTAN: 1,000 Pakistani Women Killed For Honour in 2011

Nearly 1,000 women and girls in Pakistan were victims of honour killings during 2011, a human rights group said.

At least 943 women were killed last year by their fathers, husbands or brothers for allegedly damaging their family name. Ninety-three of those killed were minors.

LEBANON: Protest in Beirut Demands Criminalizing Violence Against Women

Hundreds of people protested on Sunday to demand a law allowing Lebanese women to transfer nationality to their family and to criminalize violence against women, the National News Agency reported.

The protesters marched from Beirut's Barbir area and headed toward the Grand Serail in Downtown Beirut, the report said.

NEPAL: Women and War in Nepal

Durga´s tale

Nepal has always inspired travellers and writers in search of adventure and spirituality.

But for the Nepalese, the country's recent history carries more pain than romanticism. Durga Devi Sharma would agree.

Her house is a shrine to the Hindu deities which she believes saved her life 10 years ago.

USA: New Initiative Responds to Gender Based Violence as Part of Global HIV Response

On March 14 at the White House, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues Melanne Verveer and U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Ambassador Eric Goosby announced a joint initiative to provide $4.65 million in small grants to grassroots organizations to address gender-based violence (GBV) issues.

JAMAICA: Forbes: Women in Jamaica

International Women's Day was celebrated on March 8. Many will argue that every day is women's day, especially in a country like Jamaica, where women make up at least 70 percent of university graduates and occupy many middle and top-level jobs.

PALESTINE/KASHMIR: Enforced disappearances: Women resist in both Palestine and Kashmir

Arbitrary arrests. Administrative detention. Abductions. Enforced disappearances. Torture. Rape. Beatings. Interrogation centers. Detention camps. Secret prisons. Unprovoked attacks on peaceful protesters. No right of free movement. Censorship of Information. Discrimination. Intimidation. Humiliation. Military-enforced curfew. Property destruction. Mass graves. Gang rapes. Ethnic cleansing. Occupation.

HAITI: Sophia Martelly Opened the National Forum of Haitian Women

The First Lady of the Republic, Ms Sophia Martelly, officially opened yesterday Tuesday, the National Forum on the Issues of Haitian women, which takes place from March 6-8, 2012, at the Historical Park Cof the Sugar cane around the theme "the Haitian woman at a time of national reconstruction"

COLOMBIA: A Step Forward for Women Toward a Life Without Violence

With the passage of four decrees that regulate Law 1257 against gender violence, Colombia has made significant progress in the prevention and punishment of violence and discrimination against women.

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