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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EAST AFRICA: Horn of Africa Drought: Reported cases of sexual violence have quadrupled among refugees

Female refugees fleeing conflict and hunger in East Africa are facing another threat: rape and sexual violence. According to UNHCR reports, the numbers of sexual and gender-based violence cases have quadrupled: 358 incidents reported from January until June 2011, in comparison with 75 during the same period in 2010. At CARE's reception centre in two of the refugee camps numbers have more than doubled.

INTERNATIONAL: International Women's Summit Explores Ways to Make the World Safer for Women

The World YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association) hosted its fourth International Women's Summit (IWS) in Zurich, Switzerland from 12-13 July 2011. The event brought together more than 1 000 participants from over 100 countries to discuss issues facing women and girls today ranging from gender inequality, young women's sexual and reproductive health and rights and HIV to the social and economic dimensions of violence against women.

NEPAL: Stop Sexual Assault on Tibetan Women, TWA tells Nepal

Tibetan Women's Association (TWA), the largest women's organisation in exile submitted a report on the treatment of Tibetan women in Nepal to a UN body that monitors women's right worldwide.

In a release Tuesday, TWA said that the report was presented at the ongoing 49th session of the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in New York.

SUDAN: Born into Crisis – Violence Against Women Continues

Violence against women is rampant, devastating and tolerated in South Sudan and the new country needs to address these gross human rights violations and train people, especially soldiers, to respect women's rights.

This is according to rights activists in the country.

NEPAL: Nepali Woman's Long March

When Hillary Clinton hugged Charimaya Tamang, the 34-year-old Nepali woman had reason to be proud. While all the other nine heroes feted by the US secretary of state were lawyers and officials, she was a former victim of Mumbai's notorious Kamathipura red light area who was being honoured for battling trafficking.

INTERNATIONAL: Limit Arms Exports to Reduce Violence Against Women

The availability of small arms increases sexual violence against women. Therefore, gender based violence needs to be central to international discussions on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), and states must act to end impunity for armed violence against women.

INTERNATIONAL: The World's Women and the Pursuit of Justice

Women across the world enjoy greater opportunities and freedoms than ever before. It is a peaceful revolution under-pinned by an extraordinary transformation of legal rights. Almost every country has signed international conventions signaling their commitment to outlaw discrimination against women. Nearly 140 national constitutions specifically guarantee gender equality.

PAKISTAN: Trafficking of Women is a Fast Growing Crime

Trafficking in people for prostitution and forced labour is one of the fastest growing areas of international criminal activity and the overwhelming majority of victims are women and children. More than 700,000 people are believed to be trafficked each year worldwide. Trafficking is now considered the third largest source of profit for organised crime, behind only drugs and weapons, generating billions of dollars annually.

DRC: U.S. condemns Congo sexual violence after soldiers rape 248

The United States condemned sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday, spurred by sexual attacks on 248 women and children by government troops last month in the same region as a mass rape by rebels last year.

DRC: Investigation Into Mass rapes and Other Human Rights Violations in Walikale Reveals Prevailing Lack of Accountability

A UN investigation into serious human rights violations perpetrated in Walikale territory, North Kivu, where more than 387 people were raped between 30 July and 2 August last year, reveals continuing lack of accountability, justice and security for victims, according to a report released today.

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