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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COLOMBIA: MADRE Presents Report to UN Human Rights Committee on the Situation in Colombia

Today, the United Nations Human Rights Committee will begin its review of the human rights record of the state of Colombia. As part of this review process, MADRE will present a shadow report prepared in conjunction with a coalition of Colombian human rights organizations to counter the positive assessment offered by their government.

KASHMIR: Kashmiri Women United by Loss

Parvina Hangar's son was just 16 years old when she says he was abducted by Indian forces. That was almost 20 years ago, and Hangar, a simple woman with an elementary school education, did not know what to do or who to turn to. The pain of losing her son left her unable to get out of bed for months.

ALGERIA: Violence Against Algerian Women Hidden Because of Social Taboos – UN Expert

An independent United Nations human rights expert has called on Algeria to take concrete measures against the gender inequality underlying violence against women, which she called a largely hidden problem because of the North African country's social taboos around violence.

CAMBODIA: In Brief: Sex Workers Abused by Cambodian Officials - HRW

Sex workers in Cambodia face rape, arbitrary arrest, extortion and other abuses at the hands of the authorities, according to a 20 July Human Rights Watch (HRW) report.

“We're looking for the Cambodian government to take steps to address abuses against marginalized groups, such as such sex workers, whose voices are rarely heard,” Sara Colm, a researcher for HRW, told IRIN.

INTERNATIONAL: Developing a Global Agenda for Gender Justice

At the recent ten-year review conference of the International Criminal Court (ICC), one of the side events was a Women's Court: a space for women to ‘testify' about their experiences during and after armed conflict in their countries.

AFGHANISTAN: As Fight Looms, Taliban Leader Orders Targeting Women, U.S. Says

U.S. intelligence officials say they have intercepted new orders from the Taliban's spiritual leader that call on insurgents to target women and Afghan civilians helping American-led forces. One year after issuing a detailed code of conduct that called on Taliban fighters to protect Afghan civilians, NATO officials say, Mullah Omar has issued new directives to his commanders that appear to represent a tougher stance.

CAMBODIA: Gang Rape Pervasive Across Cambodia

The tiny Southeast Asian country of Cambodia has seen explosive economic growth in the past five years.

Skyscrapers will soon dominate the country's skyline and predictions of oil wealth offer hope that the country is finally beginning to outgrow its grisly past.

But a chilling form of recreation — gang rape — reminds everyone that for Cambodia, the past may yet still loom.

LIBERIA: Border Security Urged to Protect Women's Rights

The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with United Nations Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and other partners, Tuesday commenced a three-day Security Training Workshop on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) for State security personnel assigned at border posts between Liberia and neighbouring countries.

NAMIBIA: UN Takes Issue With Advert

Globally, the media have embraced the understanding that freedom of expression and of opinion carries duties and obligations. This was especially well learnt within cultures that suffered from racial vilification and oppression. It has equally been the case in all countries as they combat the persistence of gender-based violence and abuse.

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