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.

For more resources on this Critical Issue, visit PeaceWomen Resource Center >>

SOMALIA: Kenya Security Forces Harassing Somali Refugees

Kenyan forces at the Somali border and in nearby refugee camps are abusing asylum seekers and refugees fleeing war-torn Somalia. Kenya tightened security along its border with Somalia in February in anticipation of a government offensive against Al-Shabbab and other anti-government groups, which has yet to occur. There were fears that Somali fighters might enter Kenya if attacked at home.

TIMOR-LESTE: Global Open Day: Timor-Leste Women Call for Gender Parity in the Police

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor-Leste, Ameerah Haq, presided over a dialogue with civil society on UN Security Council resolution 1325 in Dili on 11 June, on the occasion of the Global Open Day on women and peace.

IRAN: World Rallies for Iranian Woman Sentenced to Death

In London, campaigners protested against "medievalism and barbarity" Hundreds of people have held rallies across the world in support of an Iranian woman sentenced to death for adultery. Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani was originally told she would be killed by stoning but the sentence was put on hold following an international outcry. In London, campaigners protested against what they described as "medievalism and barbarity".

SIERRA LEONE: 11-Year Old Girl Impregnated by 80-Year old Man

As women continue to fight for their rights, the violence against women and girls still continue unabated. Many stakeholders including the United Nations and Governments have been working on modalities to ensure that the rights of the girl child and that of women are put in place. In recent years, the rights of children and women have been violated sexually, by men who have gone scot free in Sierra Leone.

SOUTH AFRICA: ICC Must Prosecute Mugabe Youths' Rape Campaign

Witness statements by rape victims, vetted by a team of international lawyers, suggest the ruling ZANU-PF unleashed “sexual terror” against women who supported the Movement for Democratic Change

The International Criminal Court must probe alleged crimes against humanity after Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's youth militia launched a campaign of rape during 2008 elections, a campaign group says.

CHAD: Darfuri Refugee Voices Asking to be Heard Inside Chad

Struggling to survive, hour by hour is difficult as security threats continue to grow for the refugees inside the Chad, Darfur border. Darfuri refugees expressed their concerns in hope that their voices will be heard, their greatest fear is inaction by the United Nations (UN) and the United States to respond in favor of humanity.

MEXICO: 38 Percent of Mexican Women Suffer Gender Violence

Thirty eight percent of Mexican women suffer physical, sexual or psychological aggression, and nearly 75 percent of victims don't report the abuse, according to a report from industrial-safety consultants GMSI. The company's study of gender violence found that the problem affects 33 percent of women worldwide, with the proportion reaching 71 percent in Africa and 40 percent in Latin America.

SOUTH AFRICA: 'Step Up and Fight Women Abuse,' Men Urged

At a week-long international summit in Johannesburg recently, men and women were challenged to step up the fight on gender-based violence.

Speaker after speaker urged delegates not to turn a blind eye to any form of abuse against women.

Over 100 delegates from 25 countries across the world converged at the University of Johannesburg to discuss ways in which fighting violence against women can be improved.

COLOMBIA: Bogota Displaced Leaders Threatened by Paramilitaries

Female leaders of the Bogota's displaced population are being threatened by paramilitary organizations, according to a Green Party councilor.

Pages