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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Statement by Angola

Extract:

Despite these improvements, including several judicial cases of conflict-related sexual violence, violations of the rights of women and girls persist, including by non-State actors and terrorist organizations that attack the fundamental rights of women as part of their political agendas, making women and children the main victims in conflict and post-conflicts situations.

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Statement of the African Union

Extract:

The fifth action pertains to training military personnel on the rights of women, in line with the AU zero-tolerance policy on sexual and gender-based violence. Countries like Senegal have already embarked on such training.

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Life at the Bottom of the Chain: Women in Artisanal Mines in DRC

Statement by Viet Nam at the WPS Debate October 2016

Statement by Venezuela at the WPS Debate October 2016

Statement by the United States of America at the WPS Debate October 2016

Statement by Uruguay at the WPS Debate October 2016

Statement by UN Women at the WPS Debate October 2016

Statement by Ukraine at the WPS Debate October 2016

Statement by the United Kingdom at the WPS Debate October 2016

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