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.

For more resources on this Critical Issue, visit PeaceWomen Resource Center >>

Reimagining Justice For Gender-Based Crimes At The Margins: New Legal Strategies For Prosecuting ISIS Crimes Against Women And LGBTIQ Persons

SSRN-id3184815.pdf

Human Rights Watch, Women's Centre For Legal Aid & Counselling, And Equality Now, Joint Submission To The CEDAW Committee On The State Of Palestine, 70th Session

2018 06 08 HRW Palestine CEDAW submission-- Final.pdf

Security Council Resolution 2405 (Operative Clause 38)

PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Protection
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Extract: 

Calls for enhanced efforts to secure the rights of women and girls and to ensure that women and girls are protected from violence and abuse, including from sexual- and gender-based violence, and that perpetrators of such violence and abuse are held accountable, and emphasizes the importance of ensuring equal protection under the law, equality before the courts in accordance with international law, and equal access to justice, including through measurable and action-oriented objectives and the integration of gender expertise, knowledge and capacity

Security Council Resolution 2405 (Preamble)

PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Participation
Protection
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Human Rights
Justice, Rule of Law and Security Sector Reform
Extract: 

Reaffirming that all parties to armed conflict must take all feasible steps to ensure the protection of civilians, especially women, children and displaced persons, including from sexual and gender-based violence, and that perpetrators of such violence must be held accountable [...] Expressing its deep concern about the continued high level of civilian casualties, as noted in the February 2018 UNAMA report on Protection of Civilians in armed conflict, and condemning the suicide attacks, often in civilian-populated areas, and the targeted and deliberate killings, in particular of women and girls, including high - level women officials and those promoting women’s rights, as well as journalists [...] Reaffirming that gender equality and women’s and girl’s empowerment, education, human rights, and full participation and engagement in all levels of decision-making are critical to efforts to maintain peace and security in Afghanistan, urging the full implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), and emphasizing the need for protection for women’s rights activists

Security Council Resolution 2405

res 2405.pdf

Security Council Resolution 2416 (Operative Clause 26)

PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
Extract: 

Requests the Secretary-General to ensure that effective human rights monitoring is carried out, including of any sexual and gender-based violence and violations and abuses of human rights committed against women and children and reiterates its call upon the Government of Sudan and the Government of South Sudan to extend their full cooperation to the Secretary-General to this end, including by issuing visas to the concerned United Nations personnel

Counting The Cost: The Price Society Pays For Violence Against Women

Counting_the_costofViolence.pdf

SawaSouthSudan Summit

Although they are not only victims of the war in South Sudan but also those with the power to provide leadership, women have been widely excluded from any peace process until recently. Meanwhile, regional peace and security is being mortgaged away in South Sudan by men who believe the only solution to the conflict comes through the barrel of a gun. It is time for women to intervene and push for alternative solutions for peace in South Sudan. 

SawaSouthSudan Summit

SAWASOUTHSUDAN.pdf

Spotlight Initiative: Frequently Asked Questions

The European Union and the United Nations have launched a new partnership to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, backed by an initial dedicated financial envelope of €500 million. This fact sheet answers questions about this initiative and about violence against women and girls. 

Pages