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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KYRGYZSTAN/UZBEKISTAN: Uzbekistan Seeks Foreign Aid to Cope with Kyrgyzstan Refugees

Uzbekistan on Monday issued a plea for international aid to cope with tens of thousands of refugees from Kyrgyzstan, saying it can accept no more people fleeing ethnic bloodshed there.

"We need humanitarian aid from international organisations," the country Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Aripov said, during a visit to a swelling refugee camp near Uzbekistan's border with Kyrgyzstan.

FIJI: Police Force Tightens Up on Sexual/Domestic Violence

In the wake of increasing cases of domestic violence and sexual offences the Fiji Police Force is organizing a symposium on Elimination of Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence.

The symposium is being organized in conjunction with the Ministry for Women and Social welfare at the end of the month.

IRAN: Iranian Woman Activist, Narges Mohammadi, Arrested On Thursday

Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian journalist and prominent human rights activist, was arrested on June 10th by Intelligence Ministry Officials at her home in Tehran.

BURMA: Burmese Rape Victims Speak Out

“Seven Burmese military soldiers attacked me and three of my friends,” says Chang Chang, from the Northern Kachin State of Burma. That was when her life going to school and working on the family farm was shattered.

Chang Chang is one of 12 courageous women from Burma who have come to the CSW to share their stories in front of a special International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women of Burma.

INTERNATIONAL: As Role of Police Grows in Peace Missions, UN Wants More Female Officers in Ranks

The United Nations is stepping up its efforts to boost the number of female police officers serving in its peacekeeping missions around the world, highlighting that women can play a unique role in certain areas, including responding to sexual- and gender-based violence.

AFRICA: "Grace Under Fire" Film Documents Women's Health Crisis in Continent

Dr. Grace Kodindo speaks from the heart as well as her experience as an obstetrician in Africa as she describes the dangers women face in conflict zones, where reproductive and maternal health care is severely lacking and where rape is often used as a weapon of war.

KYRGYZSTAN: President of the Kyrgyz Republic for the Transition Period Signed Up to Say No – UNiTE Campaign

Roza Otunbaeva, President of the Kyrgyz Republic for the Transition Period signed up for the UN Secretary General's Campaign “UNiTE to End Violence against Women” reaffirming the commitment to make ending violence against women and girls a top priority at the state level.

SIERRA LEONE: 'Family Talk' Heals Old Civil War Wounds in Rural Sierra Leone

Eight years after Sierra Leone's civil war ended, some communities have yet to come to terms with the destruction, murder and rape committed on them by their own people. Many have never spoken of what happened to them during the war and most have never confessed to the crimes they committed. Until now. A unique community healing process is reuniting villages that suffered some of the worst violence of the conflict.

RWANDA: UN Governing Bodies Visit Police Gender Desk and Survivor Centre in Rwanda

Twenty diplomats representing the governing boards of UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF and the World Food Programme visited the Rwanda National Police Gender Desk and the ISANGE One Stop Centre for Survivors of Child, Domestic and Gender-Based Violence in Kigali on 24 March.

INTERNATIONAL: Better Laws Needed to Protect Women

National laws must be overhauled to make it easier for women to prove that they are the victims of gender-based crimes, especially at the International Criminal Court, two Nobel peace prize laureates said on Friday.

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