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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SIERRA LEONE: Traditional, Religious Leaders Discuss Gender and Maternal Health Issues

Over 40 paramount chiefs, traditional and religious leaders (imams and pastors) from Bo and Bombali districts on Wednesday 20th October, 2010 benefitted from a one-day workshop on gender based violence, reproductive and maternal health held at the Sahara Hotel in the southern headquarter town of Bo.

LATIN AMERICA: New Book Investigates Violence Against Women in Latin America

A new book, coedited by Rosa-Linda Fregoso, professor of Latin American and Latino studies at UC Santa Cruz, investigates the escalation of violence against women in Latin America over the past two decades.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: During Stop In Papua New Guinea, Secretary Clinton Promotes Women's Rights

As part of Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's two-week Asia-Pacific tour, Clinton stopped in Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Wednesday to "promot[e] human rights and women's empowerment in a South Pacific nation suffering from an epidemic of rape and police brutality," the Associated Press reports (Lee, 11/3).

NEPAL: Eradicating Violence against Women in Nepal No Mean Feat

Ten Nepalese women composed the first exclusively female team that first scaled Mount Everest on May 23, 2008. In doing so, they accomplished a unique feat. Equally significant was the message this historic act embodied for all women in Nepal: "There is no peak in the world that women cannot conquer."

INTERNATIONAL: Wartime Violence Against Women: States Must Do More to End it

Millions of women and girls bear the brunt of today's wars. They are particulary exposed to sexual violence and other injury. On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the UN Security Council resolution on women, peace and security, Christine Beerli, Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, calls for better protection of women in wartime.

INDONESIA: Violations a Constant Enemy for Women in War Zones

“While the men threw chairs and stones at each other every time they met, we women would sit down and discuss what we could do to save more people.”

Such is the experience of Suraiya Kamairuzzaman, who comes from Aceh.

Suraiya was one of a group of ordinary women from around Indonesia who have acted extraordinarily in the face of sectarian and other conflicts, contributing significantly to peace-building efforts.

INTERNATIONAL: Marking 10th Anniversary of UN Resolution on Women and Conflict, MRG Urges Special Attention for Minority and Indigenous Women

On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution (SCR) 1325, Minority Rights Group International (MRG) reminds parties to armed conflict, and regional and international organisations, of the particular vulnerability of minority and indigenous women and girls in areas of conflict.

CHILE: Women Sterilised Over HIV Status

When Francisca arrived at the historic Curicó Hospital - a staple in the Chilean central valley for nearly one and a half centuries - for the birth of her first child, she didn't know it would be her only one.

PERU: Women Sterilised Against Their Will Seek Justice, Again

Poor, rural, Quechua-speaking women in the Peruvian province of Anta who were victims of a forced sterilisation programme between 1996 and 2000 have filed a new lawsuit in their continuing struggle for justice.

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