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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SOUTH ASIA: Women Rally Against '"Eve Teasing" in S. Asia

It sounds almost playful, but "Eve teasing" is a daily torment for many women in South Asia, who are now trying to call time on what they see as a bland euphemism for sustained sexual harassment.

Widely used for decades by the media and police in India and Bangladesh, and to a lesser extent in Nepal and Pakistan, "Eve-teasing" is a catch-all term that encompasses anything from lewd comments to assault.

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA: Bosnian War's Wicked Women Get Off Lightly

Not one woman has yet faced trial before a Bosnian court for war crimes, even though many victims of horrific crimes committed in the 1992-95 war in Bosnia have spoken in the witness box about the “ladies” who they say tortured them.

SUDAN: Sudan Used Sexual Violence against Female Activists, Right Group Says

Sudanese security authorities have employed several forms of gender-based violence, including rape, against female activists who took part in recent anti-government campaigns, a local right group said on Sunday.

SUDAN: Female Opposition Activists Claim Abused by Sudan Security Agents

Female members of the Islamic opposition Popular Congress Party (PCP) in North Sudan claimed they were assaulted on Wednesday by the country's security authorities as they gathered to deliver a petition against the detention of fellow party members.

COTE D'IVOIRE: Sexual Violence and Other Human Rights Abuses Must Stop

Human rights violations including sexual violence and unlawful killings are being perpetrated by forces loyal to both Côte d'Ivoire's outgoing President Laurent Gbagbo and internationally recognized incumbent Alassane Ouattara, an Amnesty International investigation has revealed.

PHILIPPINES: Men Oppose To Violence Against Women Forms Organization

More than 50 men employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Field Office-7 in Cebu City formed themselves into ‘Men Oppose to Violence Against Women Everywhere' (MOVE) DSWD-7 Chapter and distributed over a hundred stickers and flyers on anti-violence against women to public commuters at the North and South bus terminals in Mandaue and Cebu cities, respectively.

KASHMIR: Each District to have a Womens' Police Station in Kashmir

Many aspects of normal civilian life are compromised in Kashmir, as in any area of conflict. But in Kashmir, there is an overlay of this reality with another one; of women being treated with insensitivity, and in extreme cases- violence.There is an inherited tapestry of Kashmir's societal norms which are discriminatory, that are then exacerbated by the over two decades of conflict.

AFGHANISTAN: Afghan Women's Leaders Fight Proposed Shelter Regulation

Afghan women's leaders announced at a press conference this morning in Kabul that they will fight the proposed regulation and any attempt of the government to take over battered women and girls shelters, currently run by non-profit women's organizations.

DRC: FDLR Surrender

Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Bisengimana, a senior commander with the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda (FDLR), turned himself in to the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (MONUSCO) on Wednesday (16 Feb) and will be transferred to a camp for demobilized soldiers in Rwanda today (17 Feb).

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