Measures to Address Sexual Violence in Conflict Situations

As part of its work on women, peace and security, OSAGI, now part of UN Women, carries out research and analysis on gender-based violence against women in armed conflict, especially with a view to preparing reports for the Security Council. In collaboration with the Inter-Agency Network on Women and Gender Equality (IANWGE), OSAGI coordinated the preparation of the Secretary-General's Study on Women, Peace and Security (2002), which also covers violence against women. Hide

OSAGI, now part of UN Women, prepares regular annual reports of the Secretary-General on progress in the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), which also addresses the question of violence against women. It coordinated the preparation, and now supports the implementation of a United Nations system-wide action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). The plan includes steps to prevent and respond to gender-based violence against women in armed conflict. Hide

UNICEF has played a major role in the new initiative UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict, as co-chair of the advocacy working group. UNICEF also supports the provision of care and support for survivors of rape, especially in conflict situations. UNIFEM and UNFPA jointly hosted an expert meeting on sexual violence in humanitarian situations to strengthen inter-agency collaborative action to combat sexual violence in crisis. UNFPA also supports the Global Call to Action to End Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict. Hide

UNFPA convened a workshop on the findings of case studies from 8 countries on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) (Bucharest, October 2005). Hide

OHCHR continues to cooperate with various agencies such as UNICEF, UNIFEM and WHO on the development of particular tools, such as “Manual on Caring for Survivors of Sexual Violence in Conflict-Affected Areas” (with UNICEF) and “Ethical and Safety Recommendations for Researching, Documenting and Monitoring Sexual Violence in Emergencies”. Hide

WHO developed in collaboration with UNHCR, UNFPA and the International Committee of the Red Cross “The Clinical management of rape survivors: developing protocols for use with refugees and internally displaced persons (updated, 2005)’. These guidelines provide guidance on setting up rape services in emergency settings. Following an expert consultation in December 2006, WHO is finalizing Safety and ethical recommendations for data collection, monitoring and research on sexual violence in conflict. WHO also developed training programmes for health providers and technical support for the integration of sexual and gender-based violence in conflict and post-conflict settings (Burundi, Congo, Liberia and Sudan). Hide

WFP has developed a concept paper that examines protection and gender issues related to WFP’s operations in both conflict and post-conflict situations, with particular attention to gender-based violence. Hide

The project “Building capacity to enhance humanitarian protection in the context of food assistance in emergencies, 2005-2006” is part of WFP’s ongoing effort to address violence against women. The project aims to enhance WFP staff’s understanding of gender issues and how to address them adequately. Hide

In the context of armed conflict and the ongoing crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory, UNRWA supports women with the provision of temporary employment, with psycho-social support to family members, provision of shelter and emergency food and cash support. This emergency support is critical considering the drastic economic and social decline being experienced by Palestinians in the occupied territory, which has contributed to increased levels of social violence, including gender-based violence. Hide

In 2008, technical consultations were conducted to support the roll-out of gender-based violence information management system (GBVIMS) in Kenya and Northern Uganda. GBVIMS is a joint effort of UNHCR, UNFPA and IRC. Hide