12 4. Gender-based violence in conflict and war
PART I: POINTS OF DEPARTURE
4. Gender-based violence in conflict and war
Aim. To clarify the connection between gender-based violence( GBV) and sexual gender-based violence( SGBV) in war, why this has been described as a‘ weapon of war’, and how it affects both individuals and society.
The term‘ gender-based violence’ refers to violence that targets individuals or groups on the basis of their gender. Sexual violence is a form of gender-based violence that may include sexual exploitation, sexual abuse or rape. It refers to any act, attempt, or threat of a sexual nature that results, or is likely to result, in physical, psychological and emotional harm. Whenever we refer to GBV in this manual we focus on sexual gender-based violence.
Gender-based violence in war often seems unpredictable or random, but is used as a strategic weapon to defeat and humiliate opponents. It has been a feature of wars and conflict throughout history, and in that context today it is associated with ethnic cleansing, genocide, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, trafficking, kidnapping( mostly of young girls), dependency on male benefactors in refugee camps, etc. Rape is used frequently as a weapon of war to intimidate and humiliate families and communities, and dehumanise those who are considered enemies. Women are often forced to provide sexual services to combatants.
In June 2008, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1820( SCR 1820) which addresses sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations. In 2009, the Security Council adopted Resolution 1888, which urged Member States to take effective steps to halt use of sexual violence as a tactic of war. Resolution 1888 considers the practical implementation of some of the recommendations in SCR 1820. Via these resolutions, the international community affirmed clearly that sexual violence is used to wage war and that such conduct is prohibited. Rape in war is now considered a war crime.
Rape is described as a‘ weapon of war’ because it is used to destroy communities from the inside. Women in many societies are responsible for caring for both the young and the old, and in times of war they may earn the family income. The humiliation of women also humiliates their men, who have been unable to protect them. Rape destroys trust and disrupts social networks. After rape, many women are marginalised, stigmatised, and isolated. Rape in war and forced pregnancies are also used for ethnic cleansing, to demonstrate power and destroy the enemy. GBV in war has very serious consequences. Psychologically it is a major trauma, and often causes severe physical pain and fear. Transmission of disease is also frequent, especially in situations where women have little safety or security and poor access to health care and other forms of support. It is therefore vitally important to provide help and assistance to survivors, to restore their dignity and self-respect, and create conditions in which they feel protected and belong in a community.