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 >>

Concept Note for Security Council Open Debate: Children and Armed Conflict, August 2016

Concept Note_August 2.pdf

Monthly Action Points (MAP) for the Security Council: August 2016

For August, in which Malaysia has the presidency of the UN Security Council, the MAP provides recommendations on the situations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Lebanon, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.

Monthly Action Points (MAP) for the Security Council: August 2016

MAP for August 2016 - FINAL.PDF

Emergency measures haven’t slowed rising violence against women in Mexico State

Emergency measures haven’t slowed rising violence against women in Mexico State (1).pdf

RESOLUTION: CONDEMNING THE SEXUAL ASSAULT AND MURDER OF OKINAWAN WOMAN BY FORMER US MARINE AND CALLING FOR WITHDRAWAL OF US MILITARY FROM OKINAWA, JAPAN

The International Board of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom released a statement entitled "Condemning the sexual assault and murder of Okinawan woman by former US Marine and calilng for withdrawal of US military from Okinawa, Japan".  They call for a full investigation of the rape and murder as well as an end to the US occupation of Japanese land. 

RESOLUTION: CONDEMNING THE SEXUAL ASSAULT AND MURDER OF OKINAWAN WOMAN BY FORMER US MARINE AND CALLING FOR WITHDRAWAL OF US MILITARY FROM OKINAWA, JAPAN

RESOLUTION- CONDEMNING THE SEXUAL ASSAULT AND MURDER OF OKINAWAN WOMAN BY FORMER US MARINE AND CALLING FOR WITHDRAWAL OF US MILITARY FROM OKINAWA, JAPAN.pdf

RESOLUTION: THE PROVISION OF GENDER-SENSITIVE SUPPORT TO SYRIAN WOMEN REFUGEES

The International Board of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom released a statement entitled "The Provision of Gender-Senstive Support to Syrian Women Refugees" which outlined key recommendations for national governments, local governments and civil society to take to address the continued gender-based violence Syrian women refugees face in European countries.

RESOLUTION: THE PROVISION OF GENDER-SENSITIVE SUPPORT TO SYRIAN WOMEN REFUGEES

RESOLUTION- THE PROVISION OF GENDER-SENSITIVE SUPPORT TO SYRIAN WOMEN REFUGEES.pdf

STATEMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA, October, 2015

Extract: 

Secondly, at the heart of the principles of resolution 1325 (2000) is the need to address sexual violence in conflict, which is an integral aspect of the overall women and peace and security agenda. Member States have the primary responsibility to put an end to impunity and to prosecute perpetrators responsible for crimes against humanity and war crimes, including those relating to sexual violence against women and girls.

STATEMENT OF SRI LANKA, October, 2015

Extract: 

Yet we know that more remains to be done. Sri Lanka takes very seriously and as a matter of urgent priority the responsibility of ensuring the promotion and protection of the rights of women, including with regard to conflict-related sexual violence and sexual exploitation and abuse.

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