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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Resource: The Apology Campaign - Women's Human Rights Education Institute

WHRI - The Apology Campaign.pdf

Report: Systematic Rape, Sexual Slavery And Slavery-Like Practices During Armed Conflict

Report - Systematic rape, sexual slavery and slavery-like practices.pdf

Report: Rape And Sexual Violence: Human Rights Law And Standards In the International Criminal Court

AmnestyInternationalReport_RapeAndSexualViolence.pdf

Korean ‘Comfort Woman’ Forced Into Japanese Sex Slavery During WWII Dies at 94

Korean ‘Comfort Woman’ Forced Into Japanese Sex Slavery During WWII Dies at 94.pdf

KWDI International Symposium 2016: Promoting Women's Human Rights and Participation in Conflict Affected Settings

In December 2016, the Korean Women's Development Institute (KWDI) organised an international symposium in Seoul entitled "Promoting Women’s Human Rights and Participation in Conflict- Affected Settings."

Statement of Croatia

Extract: 

As a country having recently experienced war and acquired post-conflict management experience, we are particularly interested in sharing our experiences and lessons learned as a contribution to wider, global efforts in preventing and combating sexual violence in war and conflict.

Statement of Croatia

Extract: 

As underlined in the global study, women’s participation in decision-making in the sphere of peace and security worldwide remains unacceptably low, while the extent of sexual violence against women and girls in conflict situations continues to be devastating.

Conference Agenda: Promoting Women's Human Rights and Participation in Conflict Affected Settings

Invitation - Promoting Women's Human Rights and Participation in Conflict Affected Settings.pdf

Statement of Canada

Extract: 

The Group condemns in the strongest terms incidents of sexual violence in all conflicts, including the ongoing trafficking, rape and enslavement of Yazidi women and girls by Da’esh; the abduction and sexual abuse of women and schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Nigeria; and the ongoing use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, among many others.

Statement of Cambodia

Extract: 

Member States with women having suffered from violence must be given the right support for their basic needs so that women and their dependent children can be reintegrated into the society, with consideration for increased investment in the educational needs of girls and women.

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