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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UN ‘Global Open Day’ emphasizes Afghan women’s role in fighting violent extremism

UN ‘Global Open Day’ emphasizes Afghan women’s role in fighting violent extremism .pdf

Picking Up the Pieces: What Yemenis need to rebuild their lives in a country torn apart by conflict

Picking Up the Pieces What Yemenis need to rebuild their lives in a country torn apart by conflict.pdf

Women Survivors of Violence: Where to Go? Problems Facing Shelters for Women in Egypt and Gaps in Responses to Needs of Women Survivors of Violence

Women Survivors of Violence- Where to Go? Problems Facing Shelters for Women in Egypt and Gaps in Responses to Needs of Women Survivors of Violence .pdf

Statement of UNOCHA at the Security Council Open Debate: "The Situation in the Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question" October 2016

Extract: 

The elderly, the disabled and pregnant women may be unable to move to safety without assistance, and, based on past evidence, the so called Islamic State’s practices caused the greatest concern for protection issues. Their living conditions raise a range of concerns, including protection risks and gender-based violence.

How Inequality Starts Before Birth

Worlds Apart.pdf

Statement of Costa Rica at the Security Council Open Debate: "The Situation in the Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question" October 2016

Extract: 

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women concluded its annual session by condemning only one country for violating women’s rights anywhere on the planet. The Commission had nothing to say about Iran, where women can face execution by stoning for the so-called crime of adultery.

Statement of UNOCHA at the Security Council Open Debate: "The Situation in the Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question" October 2016

Extract: 

The elderly, the disabled and pregnant women may be unable to move to safety without assistance, and, based on past evidence, the so called Islamic State’s practices caused the greatest concern for protection issues. Their living conditions raise a range of concerns, including protection risks and gender-based violence.

Statement of Israel at the Security Council Open Debate: "The Situation in the Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question" October 2016

Extract: 

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women concluded its annual session by condemning only one country for violating women’s rights anywhere on the planet. The Commission had nothing to say about Iran, where women can face execution by stoning for the so-called crime of adultery.

Statement of UNOCHA at the Security Council Open Debate: "The Situation in the Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question" October 2016

OCHA- Middle East.pdf

Statement of Israel at the Security Council Open Debate: "The Situation in the Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question" October 2016

Israel- Middle East.pdf

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