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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DRC: The War Against Women in the DRC (Opinion)

For tens of thousands of people who live in daily fear of sexual violence, the UN Security Council's emergency session to consider ways of preventing mass rape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) must look like the diplomatic equivalent of offering band aids to a bleeding horse.

DRC: Grand March Planned in DR Congo to Protest Against Violence on Women

A grand march to protest against violence committed on women will be organized this coming October in Bukavu, the main town of South-Kivu province in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

DRC: Congo Rapes Put UN's Wallstrom in Hot Seat

Margot Wallstrom, U.N. special representative on sexual violence in conflict, deployed a senior staff member on Aug. 25 to help find out what happened in the Democratic Republic of Congo in July, when more than 179 women were reportedly attacked and gang raped.

The attacks took place in the U.N. peacekeeper-occupied North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo

DRC: UN Urges 'Zero Tolerance' Towards Sexual Violence In DR Congo

The United Nations has urged action to prevent wanton sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo where some 150 women and baby boys were recently raped by rebel soldiers belonging to Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), reports said on Thursday.

AFGHANISTAN: Afghan Women 'Depend' on Foreign Troops

Pulling Western troops out of Afghanistan will condemn mothers and children to suffer, a leading Afghan women's advocate has warned.

Sakena Yacoobi said yesterday that foreign soldiers - including from Australia - were needed for at least another five years in a conflict where extremists deliberately poison the drinking water at schools to scare away children.

AMERICAS: Secretary General Insulza Reaffirms OAS Commitment to Fight Violence Against Women

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, affirmed that the efforts to modernize and strengthen the mechanisms directed to the elimination of violence against women continue to be a priority. He did so in San José, Costa Rica, in the context of the OAS's fight for the promotion and defense of human rights.

DRC: Sexual Violence Report Shocks World Back to Congo Conflict

After 12 years and more than five million dead, residents of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have learnt to survive with the constant din of war as the backdrop of their lives.

DRC: We Must Protect Women in Congo (Opinion)

The mass rape of women in Congo (Report, 25 August) illustrates the difficulty the UN faces in trying to fulfil its mandate to prioritise the protection of civilians.

Civilians now account for 70% of casualties in wars and most are women and children. Sexual violence against women and girls has been part of conflicts from Rwanda and Bosnia, to Sierra Leone, Haiti, Congo and Afghanistan.

COTE D'IVOIRE/NIGERIA: Combat Trafficking for Prostitution

Authorities in Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria should investigate and close down networks that traffic Nigerian women and girls to Côte d'Ivoire for forced prostitution, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch also called for collaboration among regional neighbors to improve border efforts to combat trafficking.

DRC: Hillary Clinton Condemns Sexual Violence In Congo

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has expressed "deep concern" over reports of mass rape of women and children in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and vowed her country's help to bring to justice rebels accused in the "horrific" crime.

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