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, October 2015

Extract: 

Costa Rica stands firmly in support of holistic approaches that enable women to participate in addressing the root causes of conflict, but it is impossible to move forward without also ensuring justice for those who have been victims of the systemic violence that accompanies conflict and war.

Statement of Costa Rica on the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October, 2015

Costa Rica_WPS.pdf

Statement of Chile, October, 2015

Extract: 

At the national level, this year the Ministry of National Defence of Chile has coordinated various activities for Chilean troops deployed in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti.

Mexico: Surviving Death: Police and Military Torture Of Women In Mexico

AmnestyInternationalTortureofWomeninMexicoReport.pdf

Statement of Venezuela, October, 2015

Extract: 

We have created the Ministry for the Popular Power for Women, and community councils are, in the vast majority, headed by women, through which they manage resources and direct projects aimed at benefiting their communities. Today, women in our country direct fundamental aspects of our society on an equal basis with men.

Statement of Canada, October, 2015

Extract: 

Canada remains a staunch supporter of the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Zainab Bangura, whose courage and tenacity have been an inspiration to us all. We are proud to be providing $3 million in support of her Office over the next three years, recognizing that financing is key to the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda.

Statement of Canada, October, 2015

Extract: 

In response to these situations, Canada supports projects to address the specific needs of women and girls in conflicts and emergencies. We are mounting a strong response to sexual violence in conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Iraq and Syria. Our programming includes providing access to justice for survivors and holding perpetrators to account, including through the deployment of Justice Rapid Response experts.

Statement of Chad, October, 2015

Extract: 

In the face of the new challenges linked to sexual and gender-based violence posed by such armed groups as Boko Haram and Daesh, which carry out kidnappings, traffic in women and girls and practice forced prostitution, the entire international community and individual States should further marshall their efforts to wage a battle commensurate with the stakes involved.

Statement of Chad on the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October, 2015

Chad_WPS.pdf

Statement of Canada on the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October, 2015

Canada_WPS.pdf

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