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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SUDAN: Gender-Based Violence in Southern Sudan: Justice for Women Long Overdue

The recent launch of the new U.N. Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, or U.N. Women, on New Year's Day provides the perfect opportunity for the United Nations to take action on this issue. The United Nations must acknowledge that justice for survivors of gender-based violence is a critical element of a peaceful outcome in Sudan and not just a "gender issue."

EUROPE: Council of Europe Finalises First European Convention on Violence against Women

At its 9th and last meeting held in Strasbourg between 18 and 21 January 2011, the Ad Hoc Committee on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (CAHVIO) has finalised the text of the Convention of the Council of Europe on violence against women (VAW), and the Explanatory Memorandum.

NEPAL: PM Nepal Issues Instructions to Forward Campaign Against Violence Against Women

Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has issued instructions for taking forward the campaign against violence against women in a coordinated manner.

NORWAY: New Strategic Plan on Women, Peace and Security

On 20 January, the Government is launching a new plan for efforts in the area of women, peace and security. The purpose of the plan is to promote women's participation and enhance the protection of women in conflict-affected countries.

UNITED STATES: UN Study of Violence Against Native Women Touches Cherokee

A United Nations expert on women's human rights is investigating why Native women face the highest rates of sexual and physical assault of any group in the U.S.

INTERNATIONAL: UN Reports Fewer Cases of Sexual Offenses Involving Peacekeepers

The number of allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse involving UN peacekeeping personnel in 2010 fell from the previous year, according to new statistics released here Tuesday by the United Nations Departments of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and Field Support (DFS).

KASHMIR: Crime Against Women Up; 520 Rapes, 2536 Kidnappings in Four Years

Primarily, as a result of negligible conviction rate, the graph of crime against women in Kashmir has touched an all time high in last four years.

Data available with the Kashmir Times reveals the pathetic position of women victims who have faced the worst not only at the hands of the criminals but the administration as well.

DRC: Poverty Can Lead to Sexual Abuse: UNICEF

Officials with UNICEF said they saw a direct correlation between a lack of education and sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

UNICEF said sexual violence is prevalent across much of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rape is often used as a weapon of war, though UNICEF said sexual violence is present in all parts of society.

UNITED STATES: Task Force Takes Look at Violence and Women

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Michael W. Cotter recently announced the formation and inaugural meeting of the Violence Against Women Federal and Tribal Prosecution Task Force.

"We know too well that tribal communities face unique law enforcement challenges and are struggling to reverse unacceptable rates of violence against women and children," Holder said.

DRC: 50 women raped in DR Congo revenge mission: UN

At least 50 women were raped in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo by government troops during an operation to avenge the death of one of their colleagues, the UN said on Wednesday.

An earlier toll from Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) put the number of victims at 36 following the mass attack in the town of Fizi in Sud-Kivu province in early January.

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