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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BANGLADESH/MAYANMAR: Rohingya Women Flee Myanmar to Face Rape and Abuse in Bangladesh

Tens of thousands of stateless Muslim Rohingya women and girls who fled persecution in Myanmar for safety in Bangladesh are facing abuse and sexual violence at the hands of Bangladeshis and members of their own refugee communities with little chance of redress, a human rights group said in its latest report.

INDIA: Women Bodies, Activists Condemn 'Witch' Killings In Assam

More than 50 human rights bodies and individuals in Assam yesterday condemned the recent killing of four women as a result of the evil customary practice of witch hunting and demanded immediate action from the government to provide safety and security to women in the affected districts.

NIGERIA: Tracking Electoral Violence Against Women in Real-Time

During Nigeria's last leg of elections for governorship seats and State Houses of Assembly on 26 April, UN Women will monitor the polls for violence against women in real-time.

PHILIPPINES: Filipina Jailed After Reporting 'Rape' To Face Court

A Filipina who has been in custody for more than four months since reporting a rape to police is due to appear in court early next month.

The woman identified by the Philippine consulate as AS, 23, has been detained at Al Muraqqabat police station on charges of consensual sex since December 8.

She said she did not request a UAE-based lawyer to defend her during a consular visit on April 6.

UNITED STATES: Obtaining Justice

Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) recently introduced the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SaVE) in an effort for universities to have more transparent sexual assault policies.

ZIMBABWE: Youth Service Source of Women's Abuse

The introduction of the National Youth Service Programme (NYSP) in 2001 saw an upsurge in politically motivated rape and other forms of sexual exploitation, a report by the Harare-based Research and Advocacy Unit (RAU) has claimed.

INTERNATIONAL: U.N. Peacekeepers Learn to Battle Sexual Violence in War

Imagine you're a U.N. peacekeeper driving along a dirt road surrounded by dense forests on each side in the conflict-hit region of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Suddenly a half-naked local woman emerges from the bushes, and runs towards your vehicle, screaming in a language you do not understand.

What do you do?

DRC: Congo's Conflict Minerals: The Next Blood Diamonds

We recently traveled together to Congo, where the deadliest war in the world is occurring. During the trip, Ryan made this video, "Raise Hope for Congo."

PAKISTAN: Women, Rights Bodies Shocked by SC Verdict

NEW YORK/ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: The New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Pakistan`s National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), Insani Huqooq Ittehad (IHI) comprising 10 NGOs and other women and human rights organisation have expressed “deep shock” and “disappointment” at the Supreme Court verdict acquitting the accused who had raped Mukhtar Mai about nine years ago.

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