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.

For more resources on this Critical Issue, visit PeaceWomen Resource Center >>

Statement of Lithuania

Extract: 

The task ahead of us is immense. However, it can be achieved if each of us finds the strength and courage to become part of the change by:

Statement of Lithuania

Extract: 

Successfully implementing Sustainable Development Goals will also require to dedicate special attention to women – often more impacted, but left behind and ignored. Let’s take some Goals as examples.

Statement made by Cyprus

Extract: 

Quotes/References to WPS:

"Addressing gender inequality and combating gender-based violence"

Statement of Cyprus at General Debate, September 2016

Cyprus.pdf

Statement of Estonia

Extract: 

“Amidst current conflicts and crises it is important to ensure that women do not fall victim to gender-based violence and that they are also included in conflict resolution and peace negotiations. Therefore it is important to continue to implement UNSCR resolution 1325 and related resolutions on women, peace and Security.”

Statement of Thailand at the General Assembly Debate, September 21, 2016

Thailand.pdf

Statement made by Italy

Extract: 

Quotes/References to WPS:

Nadia, the Yazidi girl whom I met yesterday, who escaped from the violence of Daesh, and is today a courageous witness of a battle on behalf of human rights, of women’s rights, of freedom.

Statement of the Maldives, September 2016

Extract: 

Investing in our people will put us on the right path. And no investment has higher returns than what we invest in women and girls. Empowering women and girls, to make their own choices, to determine the destiny of their choosing, is not only the moral, responsible and the right choice to make; but it is the smart decision to take. Women constitute half of our population. They can and should contribute to our economy.

Statement of Maldives at the General Assembly Debate, September 24, 2016

Maldvies.pdf

Statement of Ireland, September 2016

Extract: 

We call for all members of the Security Council, but in particular China, the USA, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and France, to refrain from voting against credible draft resolutions on action to end the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes, including conflict-related sexual violence.

Pages