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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DRC: UN Investigates Claims of Mass Rape by DR Congo Rebels

The United Nations is investigating claims that rebel fighters raped more than 150 women and baby boys in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The attacks happened over four days within miles of a UN base, a US aid worker and a Congolese doctor said.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon is sending two top aides to the country to help investigate the alleged assaults in the country's volatile eastern region.

LIBERIA: Fears Over Rise in Sexual Violence

There are fears of escalating sexual violence as UNMIL and NGOs scale down their activities, leaving a void that national institutions, with limited capacity, cannot fill.

The UN's Regional Information Network (IRIN) reports that humanitarian workers in Liberia worry that as the UN and NGOs scale down aid operations, the fight against sexual violence will suffer, given a limited capacity in national institutions to take it on.

LIBERIA: Sexual Violence Projects Could Suffer Post-UNMIL

Humanitarian workers in Liberia worry that as the UN and NGOs scale down aid operations, the fight against sexual violence will suffer, given a limited capacity in national institutions to take it on.

UGANDA: Sexual Offences Should Be Handled Fast

The Chief Justice, Benjamin Odoki, has said the Judiciary will ensure that rape and defilement cases are disposed of within the shortest time possible.

Odoki said he was going to write to the judicial officials, the Director of Public Prosecution, and the Police to ensure that sexual cases are handled within six months.

RWANDA: GBV Reduced By 4.9 Percent

Cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) reduced by 4.9 percent in 2009 from 2,646 cases registered in 2008 to 2,523, according to a new police report.

The report, seen by The New Times, indicates that sexual abuse topped the GBV crime list with 1,570 cases recorded, despite having decreased by 30.6 percent from 2,051 cases the previous year.

INTERNATIONAL: UN Official Enlists Advertising Industry in Combating Violence Against Women

A top United Nations official has exhorted advertisers to join efforts to stamp out violence against women, calling on the industry to help defy destructive gender stereotypes, a root cause of the scourge.

AFGHANISTAN: Ranna Tareen

Work outside the home in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar Province has become almost impossible for women due to constant threats and intimidation by insurgents.

IRAN: Shirin Alam Holi Executed at Evin Prison Along with 4 Other Political Prisoners 9 May 2010

Shirin Alam Holi, born in 1981 in a small village near Maku, executed in Evin Prison on May 9th 2010 after passing one year and nine months in prison. She was charged with the issue cooperating with Pajak (Iranian branch of PKK) on Nov. 29th 2009 and sentenced to death.

SRI LANKA: Tamil Women Denied the Right to Live in Peace

In developing parts of the world like Sri Lanka, women remain more or less subjugated, writes Kalyani Inpakumar.

As Tamils in Australia, we feel for our brothers and sisters back home in Sri Lanka. The Australian Tamil Congress (ATC) was formed to unit all the Tamil organisations to make our voice more powerful.

GEORGIA: Combating Domestic Violence - New Law Issues

March is considered “women's month” in Georgia, since March 8 is International Women's Day and March 3 is Mother's Day. This is proof, according to parliament deputy Akaki Bobokhidze and many other Georgian men, that the country respects women more than them.

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