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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RWANDA: Encouraging Police to Tackle Violence against Women

The Rwandan authorities are trying to tackle gender-based violence by addressing the role of security personnel in ending the scourge.

"Violence of any sort is an affront to society, an abomination that is simply unacceptable," Rwandan Prime Minister Bernard Makuza said. "Security forces in Africa must recognize gender-based violence as a crime."

BURUNDI: The Battered Women of Burundi

Although they have been separated for over a year Chantal's ex-boyfriend, Kamessa, has repeatedly threatened her. On October 12, he seriously beat her up and dragged her half-naked into the streets.

He shouted at her: “I will beat you up until you become disabled. I will continue to pay alimony and you shall watch over my son while being handicapped.”

DRC: DR Congo Court Convicts Nine Police of Rape

A Democratic Republic of Congo military court sentenced nine police officers for up to 20 years in jail for raping a dozen women at a farm, a prosecutor said on Monday.

The police officers were called to guard a farm in central Kasai-Occidental province in 2009 during a land dispute, and during the dispute they raped 12 women.

DRC: Women, Peace, & Security: What Needs to be Done for Congo

D.C. was bustling last week with a series of events commemorating the 10th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security. It is hard these days to think of those words "women-peace-security" and not have your mind flash to the conflict in eastern Congo.

DRC: Red Cross Says Countries Must Do More to End Wartime Violence Against Women

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Switzerland, countries must do more to protect women and girls in wartime. This call was made on the tenth anniversary of the UN Security Council's resolution on women, peace and security.

Resolution 1325 targeted the huge impact of armed conflict on women.

DRC: Rape Victims Opt for Extrajudicial Settlements

When 14-year-old Judith, not her real name, was raped in Goma, her father decided not to report the matter to the authorities. Instead, the family of the victim sat down with that of the rapist and hammered out a so-called friendly settlement.

DRC: International Attention Fails to End Congo Rapes

Despite international attention to the problem of mass rape in the Democratic Republic of Congo, U.N. officials, analysts and activists say sexual violence and the use of rape as a weapon of war remain prevalent in the eastern part of the country.

Hundreds of women recently marched in the eastern city of Bukavu to chant against rape.

DRC: Ending Impunity in the Congo

A man accused of helping direct a campaign of severe war crimes and crimes against humanity in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo was arrested in France, 7 years after fleeing there to evade justice for his actions.

DRC: Troops Committing Rape

Government soldiers in the DR Congo have attacked and raped women in villages where rebels already committed mass rapes this summer, a high-level UN official has said.

UN peacekeepers in the Walikale territory have reported that army troops are committing "rapes, killings and lootings," Margot Wallstrom, the special representative for sexual violence against women in conflict, told the UN security council on Thursday.

CENTRAL AFRICA: Study Highlights Need for Better Post-Rape Care in Conflict

Recent research into the effect of mass rape on HIV in conflict situations has highlighted the need for better post-rape care services for affected women and girls.

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