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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INTERNATIONAL: Violence Against Women in Post-Conflict

Today we conclude our 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence blog series. Over the campaign, we've explored militarism and gender violence as related to such issues as small arms proliferation; women's human rights defenders; and the uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa.

CENTRAL ASIA: Kyrgyzstan: Sexual Violence Amidst Ethnic Conflict

Kyrgyzstan: Sexual violence amidst ethnic conflict - such is the title of the new Report of the Association 'Human Rights in Central Asia'. Publication of the Report has been timed to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. From 25 November to 10 December 2011 An international campaign '16 days against gender violence' is taking place under the auspices of the UN.

Afghanistan: Women Still Jailed for 'Moral Crimes'

Many Afghan women find themselves suffering from violence and abuse, with virtually no legal protection. Recently, authorities sentenced Gulnaz, a 21 year old rape victim, to 12 years in prison for adultery.

GHANA: UNFPA Organises Community Sensitisation on Sexual and Gender Violence

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has organised a community sensitisation programme on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence for Ivorian refugees and Ghanaians.

The programme, held at Egyeikrom in the Central Region, was to educate the participants on how to fight violence against women and children in all situations especially, among populations in crisis.

INTERNATIONAL: Rape a Basic Tool of Militarism

Twenty years ago, the first “Zene u Crnom” demonstration in Belgrade was held on October 11, 1991 to protest against rape and ethnic cleansing. This was one of the first Women in Black demonstrations to be held outside Jerusalem, where Israeli and Palestinian women had started a weekly vigil in 1989. Since then, the Women in Black movement has spread around the world, from India to Colombia, London to Seattle.

Haiti: Men Supporting Women's Rights

Powerfully built with a livid scar across one cheek, Jacques is an unlikely looking women's rights defender. His decision to join a pressure group in Champ de Mars displacement camp was made in the aftermath of a particularly brutal string of camp attacks, one of which included his sister.

South Africa: Legal Aid in Fight Against Women and Child Abuse

Vulnerable women seeking advice and assistance at the Randburg Magistrate's Court during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children will have access to expert legal counsel from Norton Rose South Africa.

INTERNATIONAL: Zero Tolerance of Violence a Must So All Women Live to Fullest Potential

Friday, November 25th, was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of the days of activism against gender violence. Why does this matter? Consider that worldwide, one in three women has been beaten or abused in some one way or another, most often by someone she knows. One in five women worldwide will be a survivor of rape.

LIBYA: ICC begins investigating sex crimes by Gaddafi loyalists

A team from the International Criminal Court (ICC) has arrived in Libya to begin investigating sexual crimes committed by Muammar Gaddafi's loyalist troops during the uprising against his regime, Agence France-Presse reported.

A team from the ICC reportedly arrived in Libya on Wednesday for preliminary work, and will be in the country until Friday.

AFGHANISTAN: Taliban Peace Deal Threat to Women's Future

The Taliban came once for Fawzia Koofi, and she knows they could come again. This prominent member of parliament - and mother of two - survived a hail of bullets last year.

"It was the Taliban. They kept shooting at my car for half an hour," she said. "But luckily I survived that. For me the threats are more, because I don't like to keep silent".

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