The Role of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Addressing Sexual Violence in Conflict

The United Nations verified 3,688 cases of conflict-related sexual violence in 2023 alone, marking a staggering 50% increase from 2022. This alarming rise in sexual violence in conflict zones devastates individual lives and undermines the broader Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

Many girls and women who live in war-torn areas live shattered lives due to the horrors of conflict. Often casualties of war, they are also subjected to unspeakable acts of sexual violence that leave deep physical and psychological scars. 

Sexual violence is often used systematically and at scale as a weapon of war and it is a grim reality for thousands of women and girls in conflict zones around the world.

The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, established through United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 1325, aims to ensure women's full participation in peace and security processes and to protect them from unique vulnerabilities during conflicts. However, the persistent use of sexual violence as a weapon of war is a hurdle to achieving these goals.

Recognizing the disproportionate impact of armed conflicts on women and girls and the roles they play in peace and security processes, the WPS agenda has brought much-needed attention to the scourge of conflict-related sexual violence. This commitment is particularly poignant as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed on June 19. This day is dedicated to raising awareness and honoring the victims and survivors of these heinous acts.

How Does WPS Prevent Sexual Violence in Areas with Conflict?

One of the WPS agenda's core tenets is women's meaningful participation in peace processes. Research has shown that peace agreements are more likely to succeed and be sustained when women are involved in the negotiation and implementation phases. Women's participation in conflict prevention, resolution, and post-conflict reconstruction is necessary. 

The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security highlights that peace processes involving women are more resilient, and gender-equal societies are less likely to experience conflict. This proves that when women have a seat at the table, it is easier to address the root causes of sexual violence and create more inclusive and effective peace agreements.

Enhancing Accountability Mechanisms

The WPS agenda also strengthens accountability mechanisms to address sexual violence in conflict. This includes the establishment of monitoring and reporting systems, as well as the implementation of legal frameworks to prosecute perpetrators. 

The United Nations Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict (UN Action) network, which includes 25 UN entities, works to end sexual violence during and after armed conflict by supporting comprehensive and multisectoral assistance for survivors, including medical, psychosocial, safety, and justice services. Holding perpetrators accountable and providing support to survivors ensures the WPS agenda deters future acts of sexual violence.

Fostering Gender-Sensitive Policies

The WPS agenda also promotes the development and implementation of gender-sensitive policies that address women's specific needs and vulnerabilities in conflict zones, such as the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI), which strengthens the global response to conflict-related sexual violence.

It explores new international conventions to end sexual violence in such areas. These policies provide immediate relief and support to survivors and work towards long-term prevention by addressing the structural inequalities that contribute to sexual violence.

Case Studies and Impact

The crisis in Yemen is one stark reminder of the exacerbation of gender-based violence in conflict situations. As highlighted in Our Secure Future's analysis, the ongoing conflict has intensified the prevalence of gender-based violence, with women and girls bearing the brunt of the suffering. The WPS framework has addressed the exacerbation of gender-based violence in Yemen’s ongoing conflict by mitigating the impact of violence on women and ensuring that their needs are addressed in post-conflict recovery. 

Similarly, in Somalia, UN Action’s project “Leveraging the Strength Of Women In Somalia To Mitigate CRSV And Prevent Violent Extremism” directly supports survivors and builds local capacities to respond to their needs.

UN Resolutions Addressing Sexual Violence

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign, observed annually from November 25th to December 10th, reminds people of the importance of the WPS UN resolutions in combating sexual violence in conflict and ensuring accountability. 

Resolutions such as 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), and 1960 (2010) have been instrumental in acknowledging sexual violence as a tactic of war and a threat to international peace and security.

These resolutions have called for the immediate cessation of all acts of sexual violence against civilians, the deployment of expertise to address these crimes, and the establishment of monitoring and reporting mechanisms. When the gravity of conflict-related sexual violence and its destabilizing effects are recognized, concerted global action to address this issue is actualized better. 

Strengthening Accountability and Prevention Mechanisms

Our Secure Future's WPS Digest for April 2024 includes a comprehensive analysis of UN tools for addressing conflict-related sexual violence, such as listings and sanctions processes, underscoring the organization's commitment to providing comprehensive information on WPS issues, including the critical aspect of sexual violence in conflict.

The effective implementation of these tools, including the listing of perpetrators and the imposition of targeted sanctions, is crucial in deterring sexual violence by preventing future atrocities.

Integrating Gender Perspectives in Security Strategies

Sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war for centuries, and its root causes must be tackled through a comprehensive, gender-sensitive approach. This is the perspective of Our Secure Future's analysis of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) approach.

Mainstreaming gender considerations into military planning, operations, and decision-making processes, will enable security organizations like NATO to enhance their ability to identify and mitigate risks, protect vulnerable populations, and promote sustainable peace and security. This integration aligns with the WPS agenda's principles and multiplies operational effectiveness and credibility.

While the Women, Peace and Security agenda has made notable strides in addressing the scourge of sexual violence in conflict situations, the alarming statistics and the persistent challenges render the need for more sustained and concerted efforts from all stakeholders. 

Reaffirming Commitments to the WPS Agenda 

Our Secure Future remains steadfast in advancing the WPS agenda and combating sexual violence in conflict zones. Through its advocacy efforts, research initiatives, and collaboration with global partners, OSF continues illuminating this critical issue and the practical solutions to address it.

On International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict this June 19, people are reminded of the urgency of this cause and the need for collective action. Remembering the countless lives shattered by conflict-related sexual violence is needed, but it is more imperative to honor the survivors by redoubling efforts to prevent such atrocities from occurring.

Through working together, the world will be a place where women and girls are protected, empowered, and able to contribute fully to the pursuit of sustainable peace and security.