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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Concluding observations on the seventh periodic report of Turkey

Concluding observations on the seventh periodic report of Turkey.pdf

WILPF's Statement on the 61st COmmission on the Status of Women: Toward a Political Economy of Feminist Peace

N1638152.pdf

IEG 2242 July 2016 Meeting on Afghanistan

N1624524.pdf

16 Days of Activism against gender based violence. Take Action Kit

16 Days of Activism against gender based violence. Take Action Kit_ENG.pdf

Statement by Brazil

Extract: 

Brazil has made considerable progress in the past decade and remains a vocal advocate and staunch supporter of United Nations efforts to advance the women and peace and security agenda. Our South- South cooperation is closely aligned with that agenda. We have, for instance, supported projects to assist victims of sexual and gender-based violence in Guinea- Bissau, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti.

Statement by Botswana

Extract: 

 Botswana is deeply concerned that women continue to bear the brunt of armed conflicts, domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape and humanitarian crises. In that regard, it is imperative that we build the capacity of women to prevent violence, conflict and extremism and enhance their capacities to respond to humanitarian crises and emergencies.

Statement by Belgium

Extract: 

Secondly, in the fight against sexual violence in conflict situations, the fight against impunity is of paramount importance. This year is the tenth anniversary of the Brussels Call to Action to Address Sexual Violence in Conflict and Beyond.

Statement by Bangladesh

Extract: 

Our peacekeepers know that they must take decisive action to prevent and combat sexual and gender-based violence, as part of their broader mandate on the protection of civilians. We unequivocally condemn sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers, and have demonstrated our resolve to cooperate in implementing the comprehensive measures outlined in the Secretary General’s enhanced programme of action to combat these scourges.

Statement by Australia

Extract: 

Australia is appalled by the continuing use of violence against women and girls, including sexual violence in conflict and the targeting of women and girls by extremist groups. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2016/822) is clear that, despite progress made on the women and peace and security agenda, there remain many gaps that require immediate action.

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