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.

For more resources on this Critical Issue, visit PeaceWomen Resource Center >>

BANGLADESH: Bangladeshi war film Meherjaan rekindles old enmities

When Bangladeshi film Meherjaan was released in January this year, it was a great moment for the director Rubaiyat Hossain.

It was her debut and in making it she had joined a handful of female film directors in Bangladesh.

The feature film is about a Bangladeshi woman's love affair with a Pakistani Baloch soldier during Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence.

BURMA: Always Looking For An Excuse To Get Rid Of Refugees

Something is seriously out of tune here. Thailand's National Security Council (NSC) is calling for the repatriation of refugees along the Thai-Burma border, but the Shan community, in its latest report, denounced the ongoing Burmese offensive against civilians, including the shelling of Buddhist temples, gang-rape and using women as cannon fodder.

LIBYA/NORTH AFRICA:Gaddafi's Men 'Use Rape as Weapon of War'

Horrifying accounts of the systematic use of gang rape as a weapon of war by fighters loyal to dictator Colonel Gaddafi have emerged from Libya. Women have been violated in front of their own children - and some have asked their relatives to kill them rather than face Gaddafi's men.

CENTRAL AFRICA: Uncurbed Sexual Violence Worries Female Refugees

Refugee women have expressed concern that perpetrators of crimes, in particular sexual violence and rape, are left to commit the crimes with impunity.

UNITED STATES: Congresswoman Speier Condemns Rape in the Military

Following the Pentagon's March 17 release of its latest sexual assault statistics, Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA) delivered a speech on the floor of the US House of Representatives decrying rape in the military. Congresswoman Speier stated, "Read my lips, the military must end rape in this country.

UNITED STATES: Sexual Assault in the Military Bill Introduced in the House

On Wednesday, Representatives Mike Turner (R-OH) and Niki Tsongas (D-MA) introduced the Defense STRONG (Sexual Trauma Response, Oversight and Good Governance) Act that would increase the legal rights and protections for service members who have experienced sexual assault during their military service. The bill would provide victims with the right to legal counsel and would allow them to relocate to another military base.

INTERNATIONAL/LIBERIA: Rape is 'Widespread' - Report

Despite constant trials and imprisonment, rape continues to be a 'widespread' crime against women, the US State Department, in its 2010 report, observed.

INTERNATIONAL: UNODC Provides Regular Training At NATO School On Trafficking In Persons and Smuggling Of Migrants And Their Impact Cn Security

In 2004, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) adopted a zero-tolerance policy on trafficking in persons. The NATO policy calls for military and civilian personnel and contractors taking part in NATO-led operations to receive appropriate training on standards of their behavior during the operations.

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: Living in Gaza: Palestine Refugee Women Bring Human Face of Conflict to Brussels

“They say Gaza people can cope with everything. But why do we have to? We just want to lead a normal life.” Medical doctor Ghada Al-Jadba is one of the three Palestine refugee women working for UNRWA and living in Gaza who came to Brussels two weeks ago to help us understand what daily life is like in Gaza.

COTE D'IVOIRE/LIBERIA: IRC Press Release: Rape and Sexual Abuse Pervasive in Ivory Coast Crisis

Alarming numbers of Ivorian women and girls have been raped, sexually assaulted, beaten and harassed by armed men at home or as they were fleeing violence and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) fears those who are reporting incidents represent a tiny fraction of the victims.

Pages