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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EL SALVADOR: Three women tortured, killed in El Salvador

The bodies of three women who appeared to have been tortured were found inside a ramshackle dwelling east of San Salvador, El Salvador's National Civilian Police, or PNC, said.

"The three women were mutilated with knives" at the dilapidated dwelling in Lomas de San Bartolo, Ilopango, located nine km from San Salvador, a PNC spokesperson told EFE.

SIERRA LEONE: In Sierra Leone, Women Want Commission

Gender Specialist at the Sierra Leone Conference on Transformation and Development (SLCDT), Madam Naasu Fofanah has stated that one of the resolutions of the Women of Sierra Leone for the Transformative Conference slated to kick off this morning was a clarion call for the Government of Sierra Leone to establish a “Women's Commission” that will promote the advancement of women and girls in Sierra Leone.

GUATEMALA: Women Standing Up to Violence in Guatemala City

On December 1, 2011, a woman from the community of Barcenas, on the outskirts of Guatemala City, was violently assaulted and left unconscious, bleeding from severe wounds. With the support of MADRE, our partners at the Women Workers Committee in Barcenas provided her with emergency support to ensure that she heals both emotionally and physically from this attack.

COLOMBIA: Colombia unveils tough steps to tackle violence against women

Colombia has unveiled plans for new laws to tackle high levels of violence against women, in what is being billed as the Andean nation's most important initiative in decades to tackle the widespread problem.

The series of reforms aim to provide better protection for women and their children who are victims of domestic violence and make is easier to report and prosecute perpetrators of violence against women.

AFGHANISTAN: Fearing Taliban Talks, Afghan Women Keep Pushing to Have Voices Heard

With increased pressure for a U.S. and NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan by the end of 2014 and potential peace talks with the Taliban, many Afghan women fear their newfound rights could be jeopardized.

SRI LANKA: Tamils Await Their Peace Dividend

For Tamils, the end of Sri Lanka's civil war has brought no peace dividend; for Tamil women, peace has brought with it a continuation – and in some cases an intensification – of violence and insecurity.

SOMALIA: SGBV on Rise in Hargeisa IDP Camps

Cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), as well as domestic violence, are increasing in camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Hargeisa, capital of the self-declared independent Republic of Somaliland, with social workers attributing the trend to hard economic times made worse by recent drought in the region.

CONGO: Fighting Sexual Violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The DRC and the plight of its women and girls can seem a world away – even beyond our geographical reach to help. But UK-based organisations are working on various levels to turn the situation around by bringing it to the attention of the international community and supporting indigenous partners in their work on the ground.

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