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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SOUTH AFRICA: ANC Calls on Parliament to Fast Track Gender Equality Bill

In commemorating August 9 - National Women's Day - the African National Congress (ANC) pays tribute to countless sung and unsung heroines of our struggle for their contribution in the liberation of South Africa.

PALESTINE: Palestinian Female Inmates Appeal to the Red Cross to Close Al-Damon Prison

The female Palestinian prisoners of Al-Damon prison have called on the International Red Cross to put pressure on the Israeli authorities to close the "the worst jail ever," as they "experience tragic conditions in Al-Damon."

EGYPT: Egyptian Woman Alleges Rape by Police on TV

Human rights activists in Egypt have expressed concern following allegations that a woman was raped by two police officers.

She took the unusual step of appearing on television to give an interview about her ordeal.

The woman claims that the rape took place on a deserted rural road in the Nile Delta, north of Cairo.

She said that police have opened an investigation after she reported it.

SOUTH AFRICA: Women Call for 'Meaningful Change'

EDUCATION was recognised as a key element of female emancipation at the inaugural Women's Legacy Dialogue, an event that was "aimed at changing how women think".

CHECHNYA: Stolen Brides and Life in Exile from Chechnya

Over the years, large numbers of Chechens have fled Chechnya and are making lives elsewhere. Many have chosen to leave, but others have been given no choice.

IRAN: Iran was to Execute Me in Secrecy

An Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning says Tehran is trying to confuse the media so it can execute her in secret.

Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani said in a Guardian article published Saturday Iranian authorities are lying about charges against her and that she did not kill her husband.

IRAN: Iranian Facing Stoning Speaks: It's because I'm a woman

In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, the woman whose sentence of death by stoning triggered an international outcry has accused the Iranian authorities of lying about the charges against her to pave the way to execute her in secret.

BURMA/MYANMAR: An Appeal for Burma's Women

In a fraught coincidence, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will be chairing a United Nations Security Council session on violence against women in conflict situations today, on the 63d birthday of Burma's Nobel Peace Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi. That devotee of nonviolence has been kept under house arrest for 13 of the last 19 years by a military junta that has committed the vilest crimes against women.
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DRC: Analysis: Rethinking Sexual Violence in DRC

A survey conducted by American scientists among the population of eastern Congo challenges the traditional image of sexual violence as perpetrated by men against women – but NGOs assisting rape survivors urge caution in interpreting the study's gender findings.

AFRICA: Photo Exhibition at AU Summit to Raise Awareness on Violence Against Women

Within the framework of the Year of Peace and Security in Africa, the African Union (AU) in partnership with UNIFEM (part of UN Women) presented a photo exhibition during the 15th AU Summit in Kampala, Uganda.

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