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 Ireland, September, 2016

Extract: 

Therefore, it is critical that the performance, behaviour and reputation of troops or civilians engaged in UN operations is to the highest possible standard. Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by UN peacekeepers, sent to conflict zones to protect innocent civilians from harm, is absolutely unacceptable and Ireland calls for an end to impunity for these crimes.

Statement of Ireland at the General Assembly debate, September 24, 2016

Ireland.pdf

Statement of Canada at General Assembly, September 2016

Canada_Statement_9-20-16.pdf

Statement of Marshall Islands, September, 2016

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 Iraq, September 2016

Extract: 

Daesh, which falsely claimed the defense of Sunnis; is killing Shiites, Sunnis, Christians, Yazidis, Arabs, Kurds and Turkmens as well. Their atrocities involved all the spectrum of Iraq, it diversified between Takfir, displacement, women enslavement, genocides, and destruction of antiquities, mosques and churches.

Statement of Iraq at the General Assembly, September 22, 2016

Iraq.pdf

Statement of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Extract: 

Quotes/References to WPS:

Sexual and Gender Based Violence: “Tackling horrific abuses such as female genital mutilation and the use of sexual violence in Conflict.”

Trafficking: “And when criminal gangs do not respect our borders- trafficking our fellow citizens into lives of slavery and servitude”

Statement of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland , September 20, 2016

united-kingdom.pdf

Statement of Costa Rica, September 2016

Extract: 
“We will continue to highlight the need to address the impact that migration has on Women and the need to adopt public policies to address these particularities. We Will also Continue to actively call for action to combat gender-based and Sexual violence.”

Statement of Malawi at the General Assembly Debate, September 20, 2016

Malawi_Statement_9-20-16 (1).pdf

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