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 Liechtenstein on the Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, October, 2015

H.E.Ambassador Christian Wenawesser of Liechtenstein at the UN Security Council open debate on WPS.pdf

Statement of India, October, 2015

Extract: 

The annual report underscores that armed conflict has escalated to unprecedented levels, dramatically reversing progress made, including in the area of women, peace and security. About 60 million people have been forcibly displaced, there is blatant violation of human rights, increasing gender-based sexual violence, and growing involvement of non-state actors.

Statement of Holy See, October, 2015

Extract: 

My delegation is particularly appalled by acts of sexual violence as a war strategy designed to dehumanize and demoralize women, girls and their families. These attacks have long-term, even lifelong, traumatic effects on women and girls, both physically and psychologically, and, in many cases, the victims of sexual violence are excluded from or heavily stigmatized in their own families and communities.

Statement of Holy See, October, 2015

Extract: 

Women and girls are caught up in these conflict situations and are subjected to rape, sexual assault, torture, human trafficking, forced marriages, forced religious conversions; they are bought and sold, or even given as gifts or trophies to terrorist fighters.

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

H.E. Ion Jinga Rep of Romania at the UN Security Council open debate on WPS.pdf

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

H.E. Archbishop Bernadito Aruza of Holy See at the UN Security Council open debate on WPS.pdf

Statement of Brazil, October, 2015

Extract: 

The complex humanitarian crises arising from conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa should highlight the plight of women and girls who have been subject to many forms of sexual violence, including rape, sexual slavery and forced marriage, and who are also forced to abandon their homes and communities becoming refugees and internally displaced persons.

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

H.E. Antonio de Aguiar Pariota Rep of Brazil at the UN Security Council open debate on WPS (1).pdf

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

H.E Mrs. Bineta Dio of African Union at the UN Security Council open debate on WPS.pdf

Statement of Greece, Open Debate, October 2015

Extract: 

These major priorities have been incorporated into our National Programme of Action for Substantive Gender Equality which covers a wide range of public policies at national and regional levels, aiming at empowering women and girls and promoting their participation in all policy fields on an equal basis.

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