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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AFGHANISTAN: Violence Against Afghan Women hit Record

More than 4,000 incidents of violence against women have happened in nine months last year in Afghanistan, a senior official in Ministry of Women's Affairs said.

Officials in ministry of women's affairs strongly condemned stoning of a newly-wed couple in northern Kunduz province and rape incidents in western Herat province.

DRC: New DR Congo Centre for Rape Victims Opens

A new centre designed to help some of the many people who have been raped in the Democratic Republic of Congo has opened.

The UN-funded City of Joy is intended to help women become activists and community leaders.

DR Congo has been called the "rape capital of the world" because of the high incidence of sexual abuse during its long conflict.

Both rebels and government troops have been accused of mass rapes.

UNITED STATES: Women's Rights Violations Inside America

Robin Levi has a simple point of view when it comes to violence against women in the United States and what the government should be doing to stop abuses. “What's really important is reminding ourselves the United States is not immune from human rights law,” said the human rights director of San Francisco Bay area-based Justice Now.

LEBANON: Gender Inequality Brought into Focus at Beirut Human-Rights Film Festival

The face of women's issues in Lebanon is changing. Young intellectuals in thick Ray-Ban glasses and oversized sweaters, elegant ladies clutching designer purses, Sri-Lankan housekeepers, government representatives as well as foreign exchange students, all came out in force last week to the Metropolis Cinema Sofil, waiting in anticipation for documentaries outlining women's rights in Lebanon to be unveiled.

UNITED STATES: Holder Announces Violence Against Women Tribal Prosecution Task Force in Indian Country

Attorney General Eric Holder announced on Friday the formation and inaugural meeting of the Violence Against Women Federal and Tribal Prosecution Task Force, fulfilling a pledge he made during the Justice Department's Tribal Nations Listening Session in October 2009.

AFRICA: At AU Summit, U.N. Secretary-General Calls For More Efforts To Empower Women, Stop Sexual Violence

On the final day of the two-day African Union (AU) Summit taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday called for greater efforts to reduce sexual violence, particularly during armed conflicts, Ezega.com reports (Barea, 1/31).

NEPAL: Act Tough on Domestic Violence, says PM

Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal today directed authorities to punish anyone found perpetrating gender-based violence.

INTERNATIONAL: Ban Calls for 'Raising the Cost' for those who use Rape as a Weapon of War

Only when rape in armed conflict becomes a liability for armed groups rather than a tool in the struggle for power – a war crime that will bring inevitable punishment – will progress be made in eliminating the scourge, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.

UNITED STATES: UN To Probe Rape Reports In US Military

The United Nations has launched a probe into claims of sexual assault in the US military as well as mistreatment of women kept in detention. UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, Rashida Manjoo, arrived in Washington Sunday on an official fact-finding mission. She met with officials from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Serious Abuses at Barrick Gold Mine

Private security personnel employed at a gold mine in Papua New Guinea have been implicated in alleged gang rapes and other violent abuses, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The Porgera mine has produced billions of dollars of gold in its twenty years of operation, and is operated and 95 percent owned by Barrick Gold, a Canadian company that is the world's largest gold producer.

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