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Work of the Security Council on violence against women

In 2000, the Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security [ Arabic | Chinese | English | French | Spanish | Russian ] which was a milestone in addressing violence against women in situations of armed conflict. Recognizing the need to fully implement laws that protect the rights of women and girls during and after armed conflict, it calls for special measures to protect women and girls from gender-based violence in armed conflict. It also emphasizes the responsibility of all States to put an end to the impunity of perpetrators.

Resolution 1325 (2000) invited the Secretary-General to carry out a study on the impact of armed conflict on women and girls, the role of women in peace-building and the gender dimensions of peace processes and conflict resolution, to submit a report to the Security Council on the results of this study and to make the study available to all Member States of the United Nations. In response to this request, the study “Women, peace and security” was prepared in 2002.  A report on the topic was also before the Council (S/2002/1154).

Since 2000, the Security Council has regularly addressed the question of women, peace and security, and paid particular attention to the question of violence against women in situations of conflict. It has also addressed violence against women in relation to country-specific situations, for example resolution 1794 (2007).

In 2008, following a day-long, ministerial-level debate on women, peace and security, the Security Council adopted resolution 1820 (2008) on women, peace and security [ Arabic | Chinese | English | French | Spanish | Russian ], addressing sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict situations.

In 2009, the Security Council adopted resolutions 1888 (2009) and 1889 (2009).

pdf Resolution 1888 (2009) [ A C E F R S ]

pdf Resolution 1889 (2009) [ A C E F R S ]

For further information on the work of the Security Council on women, peace and security see: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/feature/wps/