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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INTERNATIONAL: UN Group Honours Indian Campaigner Against Sex Trafficking

Ruchira Gupta, founder and president of Apne Aap Women Worldwide, an NGO working against sex trafficking, has been honoured by the United Nations Association's New York Chapter.

The honour in recognition of "her unrelenting effort to end human trafficking, in particular the sexual exploitation of women and children" was conferred at the group's "Spring Luncheon" in New York City this week.

AFRICA: Amnesty Reports on Sub-Saharan Africa's Human Rights Record

A number of countries in Africa celebrated the 50th anniversary of their independence during the year while others prepared to do so soon.

Despite the celebrations, the hopes and aspirations of many people in Africa remained unfulfilled, because their human rights were not respected and protected.

INTERNATIONAL/TURKEY: Women in Turkey: Behind the Veil

This week in Istanbul 13 European countries signed a Council of Europe convention on combating violence against women. All 47 members were urged to comply. Turkey pushed hard for the convention, which calls for hotlines, shelters and legal aid for abused women.

ISRAEL: Human Trafficking in Israel

In February 2003, the Tel Aviv-based Hotline for Migrant Workers (HMW) published a report titled, "Modern Slavery and Trafficking in Human Beings in Israel," saying:

PAKISTAN: Pakistan Toughens up on Acid Attacks

Pakistani lawmakers have adopted tougher penalties for acid attacks in a step towards eradicating a form of violence that can disfigure around 200 women a year, campaigners said Wednesday.

EUROPE: At Istanbul Meeting, European Officials Sign Convention on Combating Violence Against women

The Council of Europe says 13 countries have signed a convention aimed at combating violence against women.

Council spokesman Can Fisek says the convention was signed on Wednesday by Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and Turkey at a meeting of the foreign ministers of the 47-member council in Istanbul.

COLOMBIA: Colombia's Victims of Violence are Still Awaiting Justice

This week a new chapter in the history of Colombia's long and bloodthirsty civil conflict is set to open. The "Victims' Law" and land restitution bill, which has been crawling through the national congress for the last six months, is about to be passed. And with it, says the Colombian government, an entirely new settlement between Colombia's three million victims of internal violence and the state.

NEPAL: Paradigm Shift in Women's Trafficking

Three years ago, when Indra Bahadur Sinjali of Nawalparasi returned after a weeklong trip to Baglung, daughter Lok Maya was not home. With help from local schoolteacher Yam Gurung, Raju Chhetri had trafficked her to the Indian city of Mumbai.

Chhetri sold Lok Maya for IRs 45,000 to a Mumbai-based trafficking agency which later supplied the girl to the Middle East.

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