Measures to Address Sexual Violence in Conflict Situations

As a key member of UN Action as well as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee on Sexual Violence in Conflict, UNFPA is actively involved in addressing issues of sexual violence in conflict via ongoing programmatic interventions in countries that are in conflict, post-conflict and humanitarian settings. Hide

In 2011, together with UN Women, OHCHR supported the preparation of a study on reparations for victims of conflict-related sexual violence, which will inform a guidance note on this issue to be finalized in 2012. Hide

In West Africa, OHCHR’s Regional Office, together with other UN entities and partners, supported the organization of a round-table of the Ministers of Women’s Affairs of the 16 ECOWAS Member States at the end of which a regional action plan was adopted. The plan has three main objectives: to improve participation of women in conflict prevention in the ECOWAS countries; to ensure effective protection of women and girls in pre-conflict, conflict and post-conflict periods; and to ensure fair participation of women and men in peace, security and reconstruction processes in post-conflict situations. Hide

In Senegal, OHCHR has been involved in a government training directed at the police and the armed forces on Security Council resolution 1325. OHCHR is also actively involved in the training for women high-level mediators developed by UNOWA. Hide

The OHCHR continued to work closely with the SRSG on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SVC) to support her mandate through the provision of information and support in connection with country visits; support to staff fielded by the SRSG SVC for specific purposes and joint follow-up to SRSG SVC’s visit. OHCHR also provided secretariat support to Commissions of Inquiry created by the Human Rights Council. UN Women supported these Commissions by seconding a gender advisor to ensure adequate attention and treatment of violence against women, including appropriate collection and storage of evidence and protection of survivors’ confidentiality. Hide

OHCHR, UNFPA and other UN agencies participated in the work of the Standing Committee on Women, Peace and Security of INAGWE and in 2011 was closely involved in the development of the 1325 Strategic Framework and in the technical development of relevant 1325 indicators. Hide

OHCHR supported the organization of a full-day discussion on women’s rights at the 17th session of the Human Rights Council, which focused on the prevention of violence against women and conflict-related violence against women and girls. Hide

In Senegal, OHCHR was part of the national steering committee supporting the Ministry of Gender in the formulation of a national action plan on Security Council Resolution 1325. Hide

In Somalia, UNHCR is working with UNDP on several programmes to improve security and prevent sexual violence. Neighbourhood watch scheme were set up, and cooperation with the police was strengthened to prevent and respond to sexual violence in IDP camps. In Colombia, UNHCR established partnerships with government agencies and civil society organizations to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) at national, regional and local levels, to ensure implementation of prevention and response strategies at all levels. Hide

DPI’s UN Radio produced a variety of programmes in the six UN official languages plus Kiswahili and Portuguese on violence against women, including features on abuses suffered by women in conflict and post-conflict situations. Hide