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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ZIMBABWE: UN Slammed for 'Silence' on Zim political Rape

The United Nations (UN) has been slammed for its silence on Zimbabwe and the campaign of politically motivated rape, unleashed by Robert Mugabe's supporters during election periods.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Congo-Kinshasa: The Forgotten Rape Capital of the World

The effects of civil strife on the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the attendant sexual violations cannot be gainsaid.

INTERNATIONAL: Women and the Responsibility to Protect

In the context of contemporary armed conflict, the general discourse often assumes that women, one of the most vulnerable and impacted groups, are disempowered. Discussion on the role of women in conflict and post-conflict settings frequently reflects this by emphasizing the narrative of women as victims, overlooking the crucial role of women as actors.

UGANDA: Looking for Justice in Northern Uganda

As I walked into the middle of the circle to introduce myself, the women started cheering loudly; I had arrived at their event the only foreign woman in a group of men and this apparently deserved significant applause. After introducing myself, the women decided that I needed a new name and I was promptly dubbed Aya – a Lango word meaning ‘girl born amongst boys.' I like my new name.

LIBERIA: Wronged Women of Liberia Reluctant to Revisit Human Rights Abuses

The women sat on plastic chairs arranged in a circle, some breast feeding, others with small children at their feet. This is their centre in Ganta, the dusty, vibrant commercial capital of Nimba county in north-east Liberia.

IRAQ: "Honor Killings" Require Tougher Laws, Say Iraqi Women

Near the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk, a father doused his three teenage daughters with boiling water and shot them because, he told a court, he suspected they were having sex. Two died.

He said he killed them to defend his honor.

KASHMIR: Mass Rape Survivors Still Wait for Justice in Kashmir

KUNAN POSHPORA, KASHMIR, INDIA -Located in the remote northern district of Kupwara, Kunan Poshpora looks like any other village in Indian-administered Kashmir.

But on Feb. 23, 1991 something happened here that would change this village forever.

That night, villagers say that Indian troops laid siege to their village. The army assembled the men at several locations in the town and then entered homes.

SRI LANKA: Failure of State Protection for Women From Rape, Sexual Harassment, Murder and Other Harmful Acts

At Kahawatte, representatives from several religions met and addressed a press conference on the issue of insecurity relating to the women living in this area. Ten women have been raped and killed in this area within a short period of time; the most recent incident occurred one month ago. For further information please see the article published by the AHRC.

PAKISTAN: Unheard and Unwanted, Rape Continues to Be Used as a Tool to Suppress Women

The women's international day on March 8 is generally celebrated throughout the country with enthusiasm and jubilation, to assert the achievement of the rights gained by women through their continued struggle. There is no doubt that the women of Pakistan and the leadership of feminist organizations have achieved remarkable success for getting stronger laws in favour of women and their rights.

SOUTH SUDAN: For Woman in Sudan, No Escape From Misery

Mary Nyekueh Ley has a quick way of summing up her life.

“My life's a curse,” she said

Her first husband was wounded in battle and died in her arms. Her second husband beat her.

Two of her children perished from one of the most curable diseases — diarrhea.

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