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 SOUTH AFRICA ON THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY, OCTOBER, 2015

South Africa_WPS.pdf

STATEMENT OF SLOVENIA, October, 2015

Extract: 

The anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) presents us with a unique opportunity to reflect upon our activities over the past 15 years and to renew our commitments. Slovenia has been active in promoting the women and peace and security agenda in various forums. We are a member of the informal group of friends of resolution 1325 (2000) within NATO and of the EU informal task force for its implementation.

STATEMENT OF SENEGAL, October, 2015

Extract: 

That priority is already manifested by the 60 Senegalese women participating in United Nations missions and the Senegalese contribution towards making the idea of a situation room a familiar concept. Senegal’s faith in the leadership of women was highlighted by

President Macky Sall’s choice to co-sponsor the launching of the United Nations campaign against sexual violence.

STATEMENT OF SENEGAL, October, 2015

Extract: 

As an integral component of crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes, sexual and gender-based violence breaches the social contract that binds civilians to security forces, undermines the foundations of peace and destroys development efforts. Moreover, discrimination against women in peace efforts, in addition to further aggravating such injustice, runs the risk of sowing the future seeds of resurgent conflict.

STATEMENT OF SENEGAL ON THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY, OCTOBER, 2015

Senegalr_WPS.pdf

STATEMENT OF RWANDA, October, 2015

Extract: 

The adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), as well as that of subsequent resolutions, was instrumental in raising our awareness as to the human rights abuses that women and girls are subjected to in armed conflict as well as in settings where insecurity prevails.

STATEMENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ON THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY, OCTOBER, 2015

Russian Federation_WPS.pdf

STATEMENT OF RWANDA ON THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY, OCTOBER, 2015

Rwanda_WPS.pdf

STATEMENT OF PORTUGAL, October, 2015

Extract: 

In that regard, and to mark the fifteenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), Portugal commits to promoting increased participation by women in international missions for the strengthening and maintenance of peace and security, and for humanitarian aid and crisis management; to continuing to actively promote the women and peace and security agenda in the main multilateral forums to which Portugal is a party, such as the Unit

STATEMENT OF QATAR, October, 2015

Extract: 

It is of great concern that the parties responsible for such violations of human rights are not prosecuted and brought to justice. It is therefore important that the Security Council use all the means available to ensure that they face international criminal justice. Such crimes must not go unpunished. In that connection, we would like to commend the efforts being made by Justice Rapid Response with regard to sexual and gender-based violence.

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