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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PAKISTAN: Women Intensify Push to Pass Law Against Acid Attacks

Almost seven years after Naila Farhat, 20, became another victim of an acid throwing attack by a spurned suitor, she is finally seeing more vigorous efforts toward the passage of a law seeking to amend existing legislation to reinforce protection of women against violent assaults.

MEXICO: Mexico Ignores Inter-American Court Rulings

Six months after the Inter-American Court of Human Rights handed down two sentences against the Mexican state, one of them linked to the wave of murders of women in Ciudad Juárez, little has been done to comply with the rulings.

AFRICA: Women Demand Answers and Action from ICC

With the first Review Conference of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) under way in the Ugandan capital Kampala, women are crying out for justice for gender-based violence inflicted upon them during the civil conflict in the country's north.

ALGERIA: Algerian NGOs Want Probe into Assaults on Women

Algerian rights groups on Monday pressed President Abdel-Aziz Bouteflika to open an independent inquiry into alleged assaults of women domestic workers on bases of foreign oil companies.

CHAD: Men Speak Out on Violence against Women in Chad

In December 2009, Sudanese refugee Hassan Mahamat Nour closed his popular shop in Ouré Cassoni camp for several days. He forfeited valuable income for his large family. But he felt it was essential to take part in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence and support women in the camp in eastern Chad.

INTERNATIONAL: New Report on War Rapes Challenges Common View of Gender Violence

Reporting on the conflict in the DRC has focused mainly on sexual violence against women. This important reporting has underscored that it is vital that women who have been subjected to sexual violence are seen as survivors, not victims; support for survivors of sexual violence is a crucial part of both individual and societal healing in the wake of armed conflict.

PERU: International Women's Day 2010: Stop, Think, and Become a Leader - WOMANKIND's Work in Peru

To commemorate International Women's Day on March 8th, the PSG asked UK-based NGO WOMANKIND to contribute an article to this edition of the Peru Update to bring our members up to date on its work in Peru. Besides its work in Peru, the organisation also works closely with 37 partner community groups in 15 developing countries.

US: African Women Win Promise of U.S. Protection

Obama earlier this week signed the most widely co-sponsored Africa-specific law in U.S. history. Supporters hope it will defend women in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and Sudan from further atrocities.

SWAZILAND: Working to Reduce Violence and Abuse Against Children in Swaziland

Three years ago, a massive survey supported by UNICEF and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed an alarming level of sexual and physical abuse affecting girls in Swaziland. As many as one in three girls surveyed reported a history of abuse.

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