Measures to Address Sexual Violence in Conflict Situations

IFAD’s Transitional Programme of Post-Conflict Reconstruction in Burundi aims to combat sexual violence, a primary threat to the physical security of Burundi’s rural women and girls, and end impunity of perpetrators. The programme, which started in 2004, includes a legal component to make justice available to the rural poor, particularly women, and vulnerable people. Hide

DPKO works to ensure that adequate policies are in place to prevent and respond to gender-based violence against women in armed conflict, and to protect women against sexual abuse and exploitation. Hide

ESCAP produced a publication on women, violence, human rights and armed conflict (2000). Hide

OCHA’s Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN) has produced a number of publications and videos on violence against women in war, and on female genital mutilation. OCHA contributes to awareness-raising and outreach by informing communities about the availability and value of support services for victims of gender-based violence, including sexual violence. It disseminates information on international humanitarian law to arms bearers. Hide

UNAIDS is working with partners to clarify linkages and effective programmes on violence and HIV in emergency affected populations. A number of activities, funded by Department for International Development (UK), were carried out, including:- A review, in collaboration with WHO, of epidemiological evidence of the links between HIV and gender-based violence in emergency settings- Participation in UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict, a global initiative on gender-based violence in emergency settings- Support to regional task forces on gender-based violence in emergency settings- Collaboration with WHO in building capacity in the clinical management of sexual violence in emergencies- Collaboration with FAO on building the capacities for addressing underlying causes of transactional sex. Hide

Regional teams of UNAIDS in Southern and Eastern Africa have explored how health services can be improved for women who experience sexual and physical violence during crisis and conflict situations (supported by the Global Coalition, WHO, UNDP and UNAIDS). Hide

As follow-up to Security Council resolutions 1308 and 1325 (2000), the UNAIDS Office of Security and Humanitarian Response is providing support to strengthen HIV/AIDS education within international peacekeeping operations. It also assists countries to strengthen their HIV/AIDS responses for national uniformed services, including through the development of a training manual, which includes a section on coercion and sexual violence. Hide

Within the framework of its training initiative, UNITAR conducts courses for peacekeeping operations on the special needs of women and children in conflict situations; enhances the capacity of peacekeepers to deal with societies in and after armed conflict; and promotes the incorporation of gender perspectives into multilateral peacekeeping operations. From 2001 until 2005 25 seminars had taken place. UNITAR’s training programme also supports the United Nations’ efforts to raise awareness for the rights and needs of children in situations of armed conflict. Hide

UNRISD undertook research on violence against women in conflict and post-conflict situations, as part of its report on the occasion of the ten-year review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Hide