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: Will an Independent Southern Sudan Bring Advances for Women? Part II.

The Declaration on violence against women adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1993 requires states to exercise due diligence to prevent, investigate and in accordance with national legislation punish acts of violence against women whether those acts are perpetrated by the state or private persons.

INTERNATIONAL: Can Corporations Help Stem Violence Against Women?

UNITED NATIONS -- "On the day of the attack I woke up before dawn ... before I could even say anything he threw the acid at my face and fled. I was rushed to the hospital; my face and body were burned severely. As a result I am blind in both eyes, I have lost both earlobes have gone through 16 skin grafting surgeries"

DRC: Illegal Mining Fuels DRC Conflic

Militia groups and government soldiers continue to profit from illegal mining in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, despite a ban on mining that was imposed by the government last year, according to campaigners

DRC: Congo soldiers held over alleged rapes, looting - U.N.

A group of government soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been detained over allegations of sexual violence earlier this month, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

Human rights officers from the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Congo, known as MONUSCO, believe that over a dozen women were raped and subjected to other abuses at the beginning of January, U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky said.

DRC: Regrets After Cosying Up to Enemy

Despite a peace deal with rebels in March 2009 and better ties with Uganda and Rwanda, the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains dangerous and troubled. Predatory acts against the civilian population, from illegal taxes and looting to mass rape, are on the rise. Rebel groups are proliferating and forming alliances, showing just how helpful the insecure status quo is to those keen on grabbing resources and influence.


CAR: Bemba's Lawyer Says Several Militias Committed Atrocities

A defense lawyer in the trial of Jean-Pierre Bemba today stated that there were several militia groups that committed atrocities in Bangui at the time the accused's troops were in the capital of the Central African Republican (CAR).

CAR: LRA Rebel Attack as Election Campaign Proceeds

Ugandan rebels of the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) headed by Joseph Kony attacked two villages in the south of the Central African Republic (CAR), abducting 12 civilians, for the most part women, and causing significant damages. According to the local media, the villages are Agoumar, near Rafai, and Madabazouma, around 100km from Bangassou.

CAR: The ICC Must Double Down on the Bemba Trial

November 22nd of last year marked the beginning of the ongoing International Criminal Court trial of former Congolese vice-president Jean-Pierre Bemba. Bemba, who was a major force in Congolese politics as well as a presidential hopeful, is being held responsible for war crimes committed by his private militia, the Congolese Liberation Movement (MLC), in Congo's northern neighbor the Central African Republic.

DRC: Soldiers Accused of Rape Arrested

The reported arrests of ten Congolese soldiers accused of looting stores and raping at least a dozen women in the Fizi District earlier in January is not enough to reassure local civil society.

The rapes and destruction of property were carried out on New Year's Day by soldiers detailed to the area as part of the peacekeeping Operation Amani Leo, jointly run by the U.N. mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, and the Congolese Armed Forces.

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