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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AFRICA: Cleaning Out Armies' Ranks to Protect Women

The massacre of nearly 200 opposition demonstrators in Conakry, Guinea, in late September 2009 shocked Africa and the world. Beyond the sheer brutality of the crackdown, one feature was particularly stunning to many survivors and observers, although it has become a common one in most African conflicts: the systematic rape of scores of women.

AUSTRALIA: Australia Increases Support for Women in Conflict Situations

Today, International Women's Day, marks the economic, social and political achievements of women.

The theme of this year's International Women's Day is ‘Empowering Women to End Poverty by 2015'.

Removing discrimination and actively supporting women's full participation in economic, social and political life is a key factor in reducing poverty and increasing the general wellbeing of women.

SUDAN: "Reflections on International Women's Day"

The following is among the postings by U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan Scott Gration as he travels and works in his capacity as special envoy.

INTERNATIONAL: Confronting Violence Against Women -- What Has Worked Well - and Why

Violence against women and girls is a virulent form of abuse and discrimination that transcends race, class and national identity. It takes many forms and may be physical, sexual, psychological and economic, but all are usually interrelated as they trigger complex feedback effects. Other specific types of violence, such as trafficking in women and girls, often occurs across national boundaries.

INTERNATIONAL: United Nations Agencies Forward Together in the Response to Violence Against Women

Momentum is building to eliminate the most pervasive yet least recognized human rights abuse in the world—violence against women. Studies show that 70 per cent of women experience some form of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Everywhere, communities, civil society and governments are mobilizing to end practices that harm the health, dignity, security and autonomy of women and negatively impact society as a whole.

AFGHANISTAN: Afghan Women Turning to Suicide in Greater Numbers: Report

More Afghan women are choosing suicide to escape the violence and brutality of their daily lives, says a new human-rights report prepared by Canada's Foreign Affairs Department.

The 2008 annual assessment paints a grim picture of a country where violence against women and girls is common, despite rising public awareness among Afghans and international condemnation.

INTERNATIONAL: Sexual Violence as a War Tactic - Security Council Resolution 1888: Next Steps

At the end of September 2009, two sharply contrasting events coincided: the United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton introduced resolution 1888 at the United Nations Security Council on 30 September which, like resolution 1820 passed the previous year, condemns conflict-related sexual violence and aims to equip the UN with measures to prevent it and to address impunity.

INTERNATIONAL: Changing the Game: Gaining Traction in Fragile States

Speech by Inés Alberdi, UNIFEM Executive Director

Date: 4 March 2010

Occasion: Women Thrive Worldwide and UNIFEM Co-Host Second Annual International Women's Day Legislative Breakfast Event in Washington, DC — "Lessons from the Frontline: Haiti, Afghanistan, and the Challenge to Build a More Secure World".

UN Secretary-General Calls for Empowerment of Women

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says that full empowerment of women requires expanding economic opportunities and ending violence against them.

The Secretary-General spoke at a special event in New York on engaging philanthropy to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.

ISRAEL: Women Refuse Israeli Strip Search at Ofar Prison, Human Rights Organization Takes Case

The Israeli prison administration is forcing female visitors to strip completely before seeing family members at Ofar, a prison built on Ramallah lands.

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