Callixte Mbarushimana, a Rwandan rebel leader accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was surrendered and transferred today to the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move welcomed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have arrested the commander of national army soldiers who allegedly went on a rape and looting spree on New Year's Day in the eastern part of the country, the United Nations peacekeeping mission said today.

“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the employment of sexual violence as a means to political ends. From preliminary information, it seems that the assaults follow carefully selected political targeting,” Margot Wallström said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Ms. Khalida Alkozai and Ms. Wazhma Fazli are journalists and radio hosts for Kabul's Alam Round Table discussion, which brings together local leaders, politicians and even ISAF military leaders to share their views with Afghan citizens. The Alam radio program, which is broadcast in both Dari and Pashto, allows listeners the opportunity to hear often-opposing views of current events.

The recent launch of the new U.N. Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, or U.N. Women, on New Year's Day provides the perfect opportunity for the United Nations to take action on this issue. The United Nations must acknowledge that justice for survivors of gender-based violence is a critical element of a peaceful outcome in Sudan and not just a "gender issue."

At its 9th and last meeting held in Strasbourg between 18 and 21 January 2011, the Ad Hoc Committee on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (CAHVIO) has finalised the text of the Convention of the Council of Europe on violence against women (VAW), and the Explanatory Memorandum.

India has underlined the need for the UN to prioritise its goals on gender equality and empowerment of women so as to prevent efforts becoming diffused at a key meeting of the world body. “Unless there is effective prioritisation, efforts will get diffused,” Hardeep Singh Puri, India's ambassador to the UN said.

Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has issued instructions for taking forward the campaign against violence against women in a coordinated manner.