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 SECRETARY-GENERAL GUTERRES at UNGA73

unsg_en.pdf

Statement of CANADA at the UNGA73

Participation: "Canada is spearheading the Elsie Initiative – a practical plan to act on our shared promise to double the number of women in peacekeeping operations. We set that as a goal, first and foremost, because of our shared belief in the fundamental equal rights of women.”

Participation: "We also know that having women in the ranks – and in charge –makes peacekeeping more effective and its results more durable.” 

Statement of IRELAND at UNGA73

Ireland_UNGA73.pdf

Statement of ANDORRA at the UNGA73

Sexual and gender-based violence: “Even in established democracies, we increasingly hear the voices of people who have put up with discrimination in silence for many years: women, disabled people, victims of sexual abuse or of any kind, and so on.”

Statement of FRANCE at the UNGA73

General WPS: “We must also fight passionately against gender-linked inequalities. I have made gender parity in France the great cause of my five-year term, and I issue an appeal here to make this a great global cause with you.

Statement of SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES at UNGA73

“Accordingly, we urge practical resolution of the pain and suffering of the Palestinians, the people of Yemen, and those afflicted by the evil of terrorism whether statesponsored or not.”

Statement of SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES at UNGA73

VC_EN.pdf

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