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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AFGHANISTAN: Afghan Women's Rights 'Under Threat'

Women's rights in Afghanistan are once again under threat after 10 years of progress, two leading British aid agencies have said. Oxfam and Action Aid said on Monday many Afghan women were worried that the impending international troop withdrawal, coupled with an on-going effort to secure a political deal with the Taliban, could undermine their future.

SOLOMAN ISLANDS: Aus supports elimination of violence against women

A workshop to help rural communities know how to prevent violence against women is currently underway.

More than 30 women and men leaders from villages of Western, Malaita and Guadalcanal provinces are in Honiara this week.

The week long workshop aims to help these men and women understand the work of different organizations working to prevent violence against women.

NAMIBIA: Rapists on the rampage

The prominence of violent crime, especially murder and rape, in Namibia is a matter of grave concern to the Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Sebastian Ndeitunga.

BAHAMAS: Becoming more aware of violence against women

Securing justice for women faced with violence was the focus of a seminar held by The Organization of Americans States (OAS), of which The Bahamas is a member.

The OAS opened its "Human Rights, Violence Against Women and Access to Justice," seminar yesterday at OAS headquarters in Washington DC.

MYANMAR: Military guilty of rape, activists say

Human rights activists are reporting an increased incidence of rape against Kachin women in areas of recent military attacks by government forces in northern Myanmar.

In Kachin State alone, at least 18 cases of rape - sometimes aggravated with murder - were documented over an eight-day period in June by the Kachin Women's Association of Thailand (KWAT), following renewed fighting between government and Kachin forces.

INDIA: India ranks very low in treatment of women

India ranks at 141 among 165 countries analyzed by Newsweek magazine in the treatment of women.

AFRICA: Breaking the Silence in Ritual Killings

Ritual killings and human sacrifice happen in many, if not all countries in Africa. Cases have been reported in such countries as Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

HORN OF AFRICA: Refugees Confront Trauma and Sexual Violence

In the heartache and confusion that accompany the flight from drought and hunger, refugees from Somalia can now turn to a source of comfort with a familiar face: fellow refugees who have been specially trained to help survivors of trauma, loss, sexual and gender-based violence. They're part of a unique CARE program that focuses on strengthening community coping mechanisms.

SOMALIA: Scarred Somali Women Take Stock After Al-Shabaab Withdrawal

The day seems to be getting brighter in Somalia districts that bore the brunt of fanaticism under the al-Shaabab militants as former residents return to savour the new feeling of freedom.

NIGERIA: Combatting Violence Against Women

Violence against women is one of the most common abuses of human rights. Its scope includes forced marriages, rape, sexual harassment, intimidation at work and in educational institutions, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, trafficking and forced prostitution.

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