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 Australia at the Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October, 2015

Australia_WPS.pdf

STATEMENT OF AUSTRIA, OCTOBER, 2015

Extract: 

Austria is alarmed by the current spread of brutal and systemic violence, which is not only causing unspeakable suffering to civilian populations, but has also triggered the biggest wave of refugees and displacement in recent history. We must develop answers on how to deal with the growing spread of violent terrorism and extremism, which are marked by unprecedented levels of sexual violence, abuse, and violations of women’s and girls’ rights.

Statement of Austria at the Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October, 2015

Austria_WPS.pdf

STATEMENT OF AZERBAIJAN, October, 2015

Extract: 

The resolutions adopted by the Council have created a comprehensive body of norms and stimulated progress on the protection and promotion of women’s rights.

Statement of Thailand, October 2015

Extract: 

Effective measures and immediate actions should be taken to end impunity and to prosecute and punish those responsible for violation of human rights including crimes against women and girls in conflict.

Statement of Sweden, October 2015

Extract: 

Secondly, we need to acknowledge that sexual violence in conflict is a core security challenge that must be kept on the agenda of the Security Council. Particularly now, as the use of sexual violence has been taken to new horrific levels, where sexual violence is not only condoned, but openly commanded as a method of warfare. There must be accountability for these crimes and an end to impunity.

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

H.E. Olof Skoog Rep of Sweden at the UN Security Council open debate on WPS (1).pdf

Statement of European Union, October, 2015

Extract: 

We will also continue to support the work of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Zainab Bangura, and all work aimed at an integrated approach to prevent and punish acts of sexual violence, as well as to bring justice, services and reparation to its victims.

Statement of European Union, October, 2015

Extract: 

In the framework of our strategic partnership with UN Women under our Memorandum of Understanding, the EU will continue to support the UN Women in the area of WPS, including women's leadership and political participation, combating sexual and gender-based violence, and women's empowerment in global issues.

Statement of Liechtenstein, October, 2015

Extract: 

Another element that will be essential for the success of the WPS Agenda is justice. We must finally put an end to the continuing culture of impunity. This is all the more true with regard to crimes of conflict-related sexual violence, which have seen a frightening increase in recent years. Extremist groups in particular strategically use rape and sexual slavery as a weapon of war to damage and undermine communities.

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