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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PAKISTAN: Girls Vulnerable to Gender-based Violence in Pakistan

The worst natural disaster in Pakistan's history has created new dangers for the girls and women who make up much of the 20 million victims of the country's recent floods.

INTERNATIONAL: Impunity on Sexual Violence Must be Ended: UN Official

Sexual violence against women is an internationally-recognized crime and the international community must make joint efforts to stop the impunity on this, said a UN envoy on sexual violence in conflict in a recent interview with Xinhua News Agency.

BURMA: Women; Children Suffered During Election: WLB

Women and children suffered terribly during the 2010 general election given the gun battles in border areas, according to a Women's League of Burma (WLB) statement issued on Thursday, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

INDONESIA: Indonesian Women Stand up to Sexual Violence

Catholics have joined with other Indonesians to launch an anti-sexual violence campaign to counter the increasing number of women facing abuse.

“We are holding this campaign because sexual violence cases are increasing in Indonesia and happening at individual, public and state spheres,” said Siti Maesaroh, campaign coordinator, at a press conference in Jakarta on Nov. 25.

SOUTHERN AFRICA: Peace-Building, Protocols and Policy - Women and Conflict in the Region

This year's 16 Days of Activism campaign focuses on women and conflict, a timely theme considering we are also reviewing 10 years since the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 1325.

This resolution linked violence against women during conflict and their marginalisation during peace processes with the challenges of maintaining international peace and security.

SOUTH AFRICA: Study Shows War on Women Begins at Home

Almost 80% of the men in Gauteng admit to perpetrating some form of violence against women. This was revealed through a prevalence survey on gender violence conducted by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the non-governmental organisation Gender Links.

SOUTH AFRICA: SA Women: Hard Time in Military

SOUTH Africa has sophisticated gender machinery present in public life, and women's entry into previously male work spaces, such as the military, mining and construction is seen as part of the “gender agenda”.

AFRICA: Violence Against Women - Breaking the Silence for Justice And Development

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, November 25th, is a powerful reminder that in every continent, in every country, at least one out of three women has been either physically or sexually abused at some time in her life. Globally, 20 percent of girls and 10 percent of boys experience sexual abuse as children and 20 percent to 50 percent of women indicate that their first sexual experience was forced.

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