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: Sex Violence Against Haiti's Women on Rise

Women and girls living in makeshift camps are at increased risk of rape and sexual violence in the aftermath of Haiti's earthquake, according to a new report released Thursday.

DRC/ANGOLA: Police Stop Three Rape Attempts on DRC Border

Three alleged rape attempts were stopped by the border police in the northern Zaire province between the border of Angola and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to a press release which reached Angop on Monday in Mbanza Kongo city, about 25 citizens from DRC were detained.

The offences happened at border check-points of the districts of Soyo, Kuimba and Mpala, district and Nóqui.

PERU: Decades On, Women Remain Last in Line for Justice

Investigations of the raping of women in the 1980s during Peru's counterinsurgency war have ground to a halt, even though the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission filed the respective complaints in 2004. Not one sentence has been handed down for the soldiers alleged to have committed the rapes, while more victims come forward.

KYRGYZSTAN: Bride Kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan: A Fateful Tradition

In Kyrgyzstan, bride kidnapping is considered an old tradition. However, an increase in incidents in recent years shows that the current economic and political climate is primarily responsible for fostering the phenomenon. Edda Schlager reports

INDIA: 2010: A Year of Panic and Alarm for Women in North East India

The world is welcoming the year 2011, but the women of North-east India are just not able to do the same. How can they, when they face brutal rapes and murders daily? They remember 2010 with nothing but panic and alarm. The several instances of brutalities against women reported are not only alarming but also signify that the safety of women is turning from bad to worse and to worst.

INDONESIA: Community Gazette Is Good News for Women and Children in Ambon

A biweekly bulletin has for the past year been helping to transform the lives of women in Maluku's capital.

The 16-page gazette, called Koran Ibu (Mothers' News) , has been training poorly educated women to become journalists so they can bring attention to the often neglected issues facing women and children in the province .

KASHMIR: Effect of Conflict on Kashmiri Women

In modern times, Kashmir is known more for violence less for scenic beauty. Two decades conflict has not only done irreparable loss to life and property but has done unimaginable harm to the women folk, who are at the receiving end directly and indirectly.

COLOMBIA: Parties to Colombia Conflict Raped Almost 15,000 Women in 2001-09, Study

Colombia's armed groups and, to a far lesser extent, its army raped 14,779 women between 2001 and 2009 - or five women a day on average - and forced hundreds more into prostitution, a study has found.

LIBERIA: Women Use Careers to 'Fight Back' After Conflict, Attacks

Women in conflict zones are often singled out for violent attack. But the women of West Africa are finding that one way to fight back is through economic empowerment.

Tina Jatei Kpan remembers the exact date during Liberia's 14-year civil war when she thought she was going to die, because it was supposed to be an unlucky day.

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.

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