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.

For more resources on this Critical Issue, visit PeaceWomen Resource Center >>

HAITI: Make Haiti Safe for girls

Much Gazette coverage has been given this year to the devastation in Haiti following the earthquake, including most recently the spread of cholera. However, another epidemic has been left unaddressed: the sexual violence against Haitian women and children.

HAITI: Protect Haitian Women And Children From Sexual Violence – School Girl

Ms Alexandra Cohen, an eighth grader from Montreal, Canada has made a passionate plea for effective measures to protect Haitian women and children from sexual violence.

In a letter to the Montreal Gazette, the girl recalls a gruesome report by the UN that said in 2008 almost half the girls and young women living in poverty in Haiti had been raped. UNICEF estimated that 100,000 Haitian girls are currently held captive as sex slaves.

SOUTH SUDAN: Women Dream of Independence

AMPALA, Jan 13, 2011 (IPS) - John Garang, the revered late leader of the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement, once said that women are the "the poorest of the poor and the marginalised of the marginalised". As the reality of an independent South Sudan approaches, the region's women have vowed they will not remain second class citizens.

AFGHANISTAN: Afghan Girl Raped, Killed by US Troops

The daughter of an Afghan politician has reportedly died of her injuries after being raped by American soldiers stationed in Afghanistan's southwestern province of Farah.

DRC: UPDATE: Congolese Soldiers Charged and Arrested for New Year's Day Mass Rape

Government soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) have been accused of the New Year's Day mass rape in Fizi of over a dozen women. The coordinated attack also left many more injured and included the looting and burning of several town homes and businesses. A spokesperson for the military, Vianney Kazarama, has confirmed that eight soldiers have been arrested in connection with the attack.

INTERNATIONAL: Violence Against Women: War's Overlooked Victims

SHORTLY after the birth of her sixth child, Mathilde went with her baby into the fields to collect the harvest. She saw two men approaching, wearing what she says was the uniform of the FDLR, a Rwandan militia. Fleeing them she ran into another man, who beat her head with a metal bar. She fell to the ground with her baby and lay still. Perhaps thinking he had murdered her, the man went away.

DRC: UNICEF Supports a Hospital's Mobile Clinic for Survivors of Sexual Violence in DR Congo

Maria, 20, whispers as she recounts being raped by soldiers two days before Christmas.

“They entered our house in the night. One after the other they went over me, in front of my son and husband. I thought the pain would kill me,” she says. “The second time I died was when my husband refused to touch my body or the food I had prepared for him.”

PAKISTAN: Peshawar tops KP in Violence Against Women

Contrary to the common perception, most of the cases of violence against women were not reported from the far-flung and backward areas of the province during the last six months.

PAKISTAN: 308 Violence Against Women Cases Reported in KP

A total of 308 cases of violence against women (VAW) had been reported during the last six months in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

This was revealed in a six months report from July-December 2010 compiled by Aurat Foundation. Most victims of violence remained under age of 18 as 38 cases of teenagers, 35 related 19 to 36 age group, and 10 cases belongs to 37 and above age group were reported in the province.

SOUTH AFRICA: SA Prompts World to do More for Abused Women

South Africa's Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Hlengiwe Mkhize, has called on countries to renew their commitment to projects aimed at women empowerment and justice.

Pages