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 Costa Rica, September 2016

Extract:

“Costa Rica, as a transit, origin and destination for human trafficking, has typified migrant Smuggling as a crime in its domestic legislation against Human Smuggling and Illicit Trafficking of Migrants since 2012. This legal framework also guides the design and implementation of national policies to address the migrant smuggling from the gender perspective.

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NADIA MURAD, ISIL SURVIVOR, ANNOUNCES MAJOR NEW INITIATIVE FOLLOWING HER APPOINTMENT AS UN GOODWILL AMBASSADOR- MEDIA ADVISORY

Statement of Secretary-General, September 2016

Extract:

(Translation) First of all, criminal acts of exploitation and sexual violence committed by soldiers of certain UN member states aggravate the suffering of populations already facing armed conflict and undermine the efforts accomplished by other agents of the UN around the world.

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Statement of Secretary-General at the General Assembly Debate, September 20, 2016

Statements made at the General Assembly Debate, September 2016

Out of a total of one hundred and seven (197) statements, one hundred and nine (109) statements (56 per cent) contained references to women and gender. Many of these were focused on gender equality and women’s rights since these issues are at the center of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted just last year. However, specific gendered references were included only in thirty-seven (37) statements (18.88 percent).

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Joint Statement on Women and Girls towards the Global Refugee and Migrant Summits, September 2016

British Official Criticizes UN Peacekeepers For Sexual Abuse

Fighting Human Trafcking In Conflict: 10 Ideas For Action By The United Nations Security Council

Take Back the Tech

Grants for National Information, Awareness-Raising, & Education for Preventing & Combatting Violence Against Women

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