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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INTERNATIONAL: The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign

With women the world over facing the fear of falling victim to violent crime on a daily basis, the 16 days of Activism begins with a call for action.

INDONESIA: UN Provides Aids to Women Displaced by Volcanic Eruption in Indonesia

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has provided critical medical and other assistance to tens of thousands of pregnant women, who are among the 340,000 people uprooted by the recent eruptions of Indonesia's Mount Merapi.

UNFPA has provided medical supplies to four districts in the affected areas in Central Java, and is giving technical assistance in delivering reproductive health services.

NIGERIA: 100 Women And the Beijing Train

In 1996, the British Council sponsored a resource person Ms. Lesley Abdela to work with Nigerian women on developing strategies for promoting women's effective participation in politics and public life.

PAKISTAN: Pakistani Police Involved in Rape, Rights Violations

A large number of police officials across Pakistan have been booked for rape and human rights violations in the last three years, says an official report submitted to the interior ministry.

The report submitted by the National Police Bureau to the ministry of interior said that 78 police officials in Sindh province were involved in 91 cases - 61 in 2008, 22 in 2009 and eight till mid 2010.

PHILIPPINES: Rights Group Backs Filipino Sex Slaves' Redress Bid

An international human rights group expressed support Tuesday for Filipino women demanding an official apology from Tokyo for the sexual abuse they suffered at the hands of the Japanese military during World War II.

ISRAEL: Control by Femicide

IN ISRAEL, MURDER OF WOMEN IN WHAT ARE REFERRED to as “killings to protect the family's honor” account for the majority of homicides among Arab citizens. These murders are carried out by relatives of the victims, or their proxies, because of some perceived transgression by the women of gendered social norms.

DRC: Congo: New Strategy Needed in the East

The attempt by Congo and Rwanda to end the deadly conflict in eastern Congo by a secret presidential deal and military force is failing and must be changed fundamentally by the Kinshasa government and the international community.

SUDAN: Rape Is Not Adultery

Women in the Sudanese region of Darfur have been raped with impunity since the start of the conflict there in 2003. Now a campaign to reform the rape law is gaining momentum in the country, promoted by Alliance 149, a national coalition born in late 2009.

DRC: Military Solution Failing in Eastern Congo: Crisis Group

A military solution championed by Rwanda and DR Congo for restive eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has failed and the region risks deteriorating, the International Crisis Group warned Tuesday.

SOUTH AFRICA: Schoolgirls Suffer in Silence

South Africans were outraged to hear that a grade eight learner was allegedly drugged and gang raped while her classmates stood around and filmed it on their cellphones -- and that the police delayed the arrest of the boys because they didn't want to disrupt their exams. But gender-based violence is endemic to South African schools and has been for many years.

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