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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AFRICA: Ghanaian Boy Made Goodwill Ambassador for Girl Child Soldier Eradication in Africa

Master Andrew Adansi Bonnah, the 11-year-old Ghanaian schoolboy who recently launched a global campaign to raise $13 million for victims of famine in Somalia, has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Girl Soldier Eradication in Africa.

DRC: Film Sheds Light on Congo's "Unfair Rape Trials"

The international community's efforts to increase the number of rape convictions in Democratic Republic of Congo have created unfair trials and led to growing numbers of false convictions, according to a new documentary.

LIBERIA: Liberian Women Stalked by Rape

As a young girl Garmar Murphy was forced into a child soldier's life, serving as a sexual plaything for Liberian rebels between battles -- a tragic norm in the country's savage conflict. She was 13 years old, and rape was not criminalised.

ASIA: No end to violence against women without access to justice

Incidences of violence against women are not isolated or sporadic, but a daily occurrence in Asian countries.

INTERNATIONAL: Designation for Sanctions of an Armed Leader in the DRC

The Permanent Missions to the United Nations of France, the United Kingdom, and the United States submitted to the Security Council's Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the name of Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka, to be added to the list of individuals and entities subject to a worldwide travel ban and asset freeze.

UGANDA: We Must Take The Pledge to Stop Violence Against Women

On Friday, November 25, I wore a white ribbon in support of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. So did my boss, Australia's Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd. So did Australian men from all walks of life. In doing so, we joined the world's largest movement of men working to end men's violence against women.

SOUTH ASIA: Women Fight Violence in North-East Indian State

Women activists in Churachandpur district of conflicted state of Manipur are defying all threats to fight for the rape victims allegedly attacked by existing ‘underground outfits' in the region.

UGANDA: 16 Days of Activism Against Violence

As we mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we appeal to everyone to participate in promoting “Peace in the Home by Challenging Militarism and Ending Violence against Women”- in line with this year's global theme.

UGANDA: Prevent Violence Against Women to Create a Peaceful Nation

As ACFODE celebrates her 26th birthday this month, and as the country prepares for the 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender Based Violence (GBV), ACFODE wishes to express concern over the high levels of violence against women in Uganda, and to emphasize that such acts are a violation of their human rights, peaceful existence in homes, communities and in the nation.

AFGHANISTAN: Afghanistan Has 'Long Way To Go' in Protecting Women From Violence

There is a long way to go before the rights of Afghan women are fully protected, says a United Nations report released today, noting that the Government has not yet succeeded in applying a two-year-old landmark law to the vast majority of cases of violence against women.

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