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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Statement of the Marshall Islands

Extract: 

“As in many parts of the world, sadly, domestic violence is a serious issue in the Pacific. UN SDG Goa1 5 commits to ending worldwide domestic violence against women and girls, and my government is moving forward with our own commitment to build safe houses - the first one to be known as Weto In Mour, for abused women.

Statement of the Marshall Islands at the General Assembly Debate, September 22, 2016

Statement made by Netherlands

Extract: 

Quotes/References to WPS:

"The new Secretary-General can hit the ground running and boost implementation...Of peacekeeping and peacebuilding reform, including real zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse".

Statement of Netherlands at General Debate, September 2016

Netherlands.pdf

Statement of Monaco

Extract: 

At a time when women still suffer so much violence and discrimination, and the unacceptable increase of sexual violence, we must support the necessary action of UNICEF.

Statement of Monaco at the General Assembly Debate, September 22, 2016

monaco.pdf

Statement of Israel

Extract: 

 

As women are being systematically raped, murdered, sold into slavery across the world, which is the only country that the UN’s Commission on Women chose to condemn this year? Yep, you guessed it – Israel. Israel. Israel where women fly fighter jets, lead major corporations, head universities, preside – twice – over the Supreme Court, and have served as Speaker of the Knesset and Prime Minister.

Statement of Israel at the General Assembly Debate, September 22, 2016

Israel.pdf

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