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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IRAN: Notoriety under Sharia Garb

In the first part of my research-based article on titled 'Iran: Clerics or pimps', readers must have already learnt about the latest status of women in that country, which is under the totalitarian role of Muslim fanatics, who virtually are turning the country into a hell.

INTERNATIONAL: Speech on 'Empowering Women in Peace and Security' by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the European Commission

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have long been an advocate of closer cooperation between NATO and the European Union and so I am very pleased that today's conference brings us together to develop practical solutions to one of the key security issues of our time.

AFRICA: Depression Linked to Gender Stereotypes, Violence

Cases of anxiety and depression, two leading mental health illnesses, are on the rise among women in some African countries, thanks to the current difficulties in the economy, gender roles and violence, writes Arthur Okwemba. Findings of study done at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi by the African Mental Health Foundation shows that 42% of adults and 41% of children who went to the facility were diagnosed with depression.

SIERRA LEONE: Apology to Women Victims a Welcome Step

The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) welcomes the apology given by Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma on Saturday to women victims of the country's 10-year armed conflict that ended in 2002.

DRC: No Hope for End to Weapon of Rape in DR Congo

With the United Nations peacekeeping forces set to begin a pull-out in coming months, women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have little reason to see the move as a sign of increased personal security, experts warn.

Their likelihood of becoming victims of heinous rape crimes remains high. Impunity in the country only worsens their chances of falling prey to those using sexual violence as a weapon of war.

INTERNATIONAL: Rape must never be minimized as part of cultural traditions, UN envoy says

Sexual violence during conflicts is all too often downplayed and treated as part of local cultural traditions instead of being viewed as a war crime, a senior United Nations official has warned as she called for much greater international action to defeat the scourge.

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: Why Violence Against Women is Widespread

Nahla*, aged 30, from Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, said she was physically and mentally abused for more than 10 years by her husband before being granted a divorce three months ago.

Fear and cultural factors prevented her from seeking help from women's organizations.

INDIA: 63 Women Raped in Kashmir By Soldiers: Police

A police spokesman Thursday revealed that 63 women were raped in the Indian administered Kashmir by Indian security men from 1996 to 2009.

In a statement issued here, a police spokesman said 38 rape cases by Indian security men were reported in Kashmir from November 2002 to October 2005. "From November 2005 to July 10, 2008 13 rape cases by Indian soldiers were reported," he said.

AFRICA: AU Calls to Protect the Rights of Women and Children

African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) said incidents of violence against women and children in armed conflicts continued unabated in many parts of Africa.

AU Commission Gender and Development Directorate presented its report at the AUPSC 122nd meeting on Tuesday under the theme Mitigating Vulnerabilities of Women and Children in Armed Conflicts.

INTERNATIONAL: CEDAW: designed to be used

CEDAW is not just a wish list from which politicians in the UK can ‘pick-n-mix' when drawing up their shopping lists of “things to do about women”. Jane Esuantsiwa Goldsmith argues that in the run up to the general election it is an instrument we can use to call our politicians to account.

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