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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IRAQ: Iraqi Crisis Report: Combating Female Circumcision

I became an activist to stop female genital mutilation last year after reading a shocking survey from a secondary school in Rania, a town in Sulaimaniyah province. Every single one of the girls in the school reported that their genitals had been cut.

IRAQ: Displaced Iraqi Women Increasingly Vulnerable to Exploitation and Abuse

Iraqi women who have been uprooted by violence in their country are increasingly susceptible to exploitation and abuse because of extreme financial pressures, a new field report from Refugees International (RI) described today. The report states that domestic violence among Iraqi refugees is increasing in Syria, and that reports of domestic violence are higher among the displaced population in northern Iraq.

AFGHANISTAN: Justice Key to Ensuring Human Rights for All Afghans – UN envoy

The top United Nations envoy to Afghanistan today called for strengthening the country's justice system, which he stressed is fundamental for ensuring the rule of law and respect for human rights.

MIDDLE EAST: Arab Women, Refugees at Heart of UN Report

Arab states must take measures to combat an expanding list of issues including rising populations, trafficking, unemployment and water scarcity, a UN-sponsored report said yesterday. The 288-page report, "Challenges to Human Security in the Arab Countries," said poverty, civil wars, sectarian and ethnic conflicts, authoritarian repression added to the human rights problems faced by the region.

JORDAN: IRC Launches Program to Address Violence Against Women in Jordan

The IRC has launched a two-year program in Jordan that will train local aid workers to respond to violence against women, predominantly Iraqi refugees. The program, which is supported by the United Nations Development Fund for Women, UNIFEM, will also help a local aid organization, the Jordan River Foundation, establish a case management center in the eastern part of the capital, Amman, home to the most Iraqi refugees.

IRAN: Iran's Sadr Released, More Freedom Must Follow

Shadi Sadr, the Iranian lawyer and women's rights activist, was just released from prison.

On July 28 she went free.

This is wonderful news. It sends relief and immense joy throughout the ranks of Iran's pro-democracy and humanitarian rights community, all of whom have worked so hard on her behalf.

ISRAEL/OPT: Prison Toughens Palestinian Women

In her office at the Bethlehem women's counselling centre, Khawla Al-Azraq recounts her memories from Israeli prison as vividly as if they were yesterday: the routine physical and psychological abuse, the nightly room searches, the hunger strikes and other collective actions in protest against their conditions, and the intense study sessions with her fellow prisoners.

ISRAEL: Traffickers Target Israeli Girls to Replace Foreign Sex Slaves

At the start of the new century, Israel found itself with an unexpected and unwanted reputation - as a destination hotspot for sex trafficking. The government took significant measures against this phenomenon, but the success in stamping out the import of women for sex has led to a new problem.

INTERNATIONAL: Ban: The UN Must Lead by Example Regarding Women's Empowerment

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told the Commission on the Status of Women on Wednesday, that the UN must lead by example.

As Secretary General, he has made sure there are more women in senior positions now than at any time in the history of the UN.

Fifteen years since the landmark Beijing declaration was adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women, much progress has been made.

DRC: US, UN Accuse Forces of "Crimes Against Humanity"

Government troops - the FARDC - in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are to blame for much of the epidemic of sexual violence in the east of the country, according to US and UN reports detailing war crimes and possible crimes against humanity by various groups there.

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