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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GUATEMALA/USA: Guatemalan Women Who Flee Violence in Homeland Find it Catches Up in Palm Beach County

When a federal court in California blocked the deportation of an undocumented Guatemalan woman this week, the case resonated in Palm Beach County.

GUATEMALA/USA: Ruling on Women May Spur Asylum Claims

A United States federal court ruling this week could unleash a wave of political asylum claims from applicants who say being a woman from Central America is reason enough to fear for their lives.

The ruling concerns an application by a Guatemalan woman, but activists say hundreds of thousands of women from throughout the region could use it to argue that the United States should let them immigrate.

UGANDA: Ugandan Child Mothers Forced to Give Birth in Captivity

More and more people are becoming aware of the plight of child soldiers through the books (often memoirs) and films (often documentaries) that have hit the market in the past few years. Particularly in Africa, boys are recruited to fight in civil conflicts, so young they can barely carry the guns they are issued.

ZIMBABWE: 'Raped By Mugabe's Thugs '

Rutendo Munengani, wife of MDC-T legislator for Glen View North Fani Munengami, says she will never forgive President Robert Mugabe after she was raped by a soldier while her nine-month old son watched in horror.

Mugabe, who is the commander-in-chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), has always used the security services whenever he feels cornered in his three-decade-long rule.

SIERRA LEONE: Rape on the Increase in Kono

A representative of the 50/50 group in Kono district has revealed that rape is currently on the increase in the area.

BRAZIL: Football Paves the Way to Masculinity Without Violence

It's Friday night, and in a "favela" (shanty town) in this Brazilian city, a group of men relax with a beer after a hard week, while a song can be heard above the rowdy chatter.

MOZAMBIQUE: Alice Mabota Wins 2010 International Women of Courage Award

Alice Mabota, president of Mozambique's Human Rights League, received in Maputo on Monday the 2010 International Women of Courage Award granted by the United States State Department in recognition of her commitment in promoting women human, economic, legal and civic rights.

UNITED KINGDOM: UK Moves to Give Anonymity to Rape Defendants

United Kingdom Justice Minister, Crispin Blunt, has announced that the British government plans to bring forward legislation that would grant anonymity to those accused of rape until they are charged. The government intends on bringing the legislation forward "as soon as possible," bypassing formal consultation, according to the Telegraph.

DRC: Survey Shows Women and Boys in Increasing Danger in War-Torn Eastern Congo

Civilians in eastern Congo are facing an increased risk of rape and forced labor as a result of internationally backed military operations against rebel groups, according to new research released today by aid agency Oxfam.

US/PAKISTAN:The United States Announces the U.S.-Pakistan Gender Equity Program

After the bilateral Strategic Dialogue meeting in Islamabad today, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced a new five-year, $40 million Gender Equity Program to be funded by USAID aimed at advancing women's rights and empowerment in Pakistan by:

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