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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HAITI: Women Wonder if They'll Ever Feel Safe Again

PORT-AU-PRINCE/NEW YORK, Jan 6, 2011 (IPS) - Up a rubble-strewn street, turn right past a crumbled house, and 60 men and women are in the yard and parlor of the offices of the Commission of Women Victim-to-Victim (Komisyon Fanm Viktim pou Viktim, KOFAVIV) association.

AFGHANISTAN/SOMALIA/DRC: President's Corner - Violence Against Women, It's also a Men's Problem

In many of the conflicts of the last decades – from Afghanistan to Somalia, from the Balkans to the Democratic Republic of the Congo – violence against women has reached horrific proportions and constitutes the most difficult challenge confronting the relief community.

DRC: French envoy says DR Congo rights situation a 'shipwreck'

A French envoy on Saturday described the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a "shipwreck" after a week-long visit to the country.

"I saw in Goma (eastern DR Congo) a prison with space for 140 people where 1,046 people were living in appalling conditions of overcrowding and hygiene," said Francois Zimeray, French ambassador for human rights.

NAMIBIA: Pohamba Deplores Violence Against Women in 2010

President Hifikepunye Pohamba has expressed grave concern about the escalating incidence of violent crime against vulnerable members of society.

In his New Year's message Pohamba lashed out at domestic and gender-based violence, especially those violent crimes committed against women, children and the elderly.

Pohamba said he condemned, in the strongest possible terms, all the violent acts that rocked the nation in 2010.

EGYPT: Women's Rights in Egypt Deteriorate in 2010, Says Report

The issue of women's rights was used as a political tool by the government and other entities in 2010, according to an annual report by the Egyptian Center for Women's Rights (ECWR).

The report, which is based on the findings of international human rights organizations, stated that Egypt was ranked 125th out of 134 countries regarding women's rights, and was ranked 13th among countries in the Middle East/North Africa region.

HAITI: Rape Crisis for Haitian Women: Report

A year after what little they had was shattered and torn, the women of Haiti are struggling against a new crisis — rapes in the camps.

Last January's earthquake not only left behind death and debris fields, it also, say experts, created a rich hunting ground for sexual predators.

HAITI: Sexual Violence against Women Increasing

Women and girls living in Haiti's makeshift camps face an increasing risk of rape and sexual violence, Amnesty International said in a new report released today.

INTERNATIONAL: Violence Against Women: an Urgent Public Health Priority

Violence against women has been described as “perhaps the most shameful human rights violation, and the most pervasive.”1 Addressing violence against women is central to the achievement of Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 3 on women's empowerment and gender equality, as well as MDGs 4, 5 and 6.2 It is also a peace and security issue.

AFRICA: Women, Peace and Security

Eleven African governments have pledged to ensure an effective regional mechanism to address sexual violence against women and children in a regional event sponsored by UNDP.

TURKMENISTAN: Equality Laws Fail to Ensure Turkmen Women's Rights

In late December, Turkmenistan is due to submit a regular report to the United Nations on how it is meeting its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, CEDAW. Experts on women's rights say the reality is a long way from the appearance of equality the country presents.

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