The Plight of Women and Girls in Conflict: A Global Imperative for Protection

Strategic Insights -

The conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Libya have revealed the gruesome reality of violence and exploitation faced by women and girls in war-torn societies. The international community has a moral obligation to protect these vulnerable groups, yet the gap between principles and practice remains significant. In this Security Council open debate, Ambassador David Pressman highlights the alarming trends of violence against women and girls, and calls for collective action to address the root causes of this issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • 387 women and girls were raped by armed groups in 13 villages in Eastern Congo between July 30th and August 2nd, 2010, in a devastating incident that highlights the need for urgent action to protect civilians.
  • Despite the mandate to protect civilians, UN peacekeeping missions have failed to implement their mandates, with 98% of UN troops serving in missions with civilian protection mandates, yet grossly underutilizing force to protect civilians.
  • The UN Office of Internal Oversight Services report found that in 507 attacks against civilians from 2010 to 2013, UN peacekeepers virtually never used force to protect civilians under attack, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives.
  • Continued shortfalls in staffing critical peacekeeping missions in South Sudan, Mali, and the Central African Republic have left civilians, and particularly women and girls, vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence.
  • The Security Council has a responsibility to hold peacekeepers accountable for their actions, particularly when they become part of the problem of sexual and gender-based violence.
  • Despite modest progress, women make up only 19% of all UN field missions, and hold only 3% of leadership positions in peace operations.
  • Women should be leading peacekeeping operations, and the UN should prioritize building societies where women have equal access to justice, education, healthcare, and political space.

Statistics:

  • 387 women and girls were raped by armed groups in 13 villages in Eastern Congo between July 30th and August 2nd, 2010.
  • 98% of UN troops serve in missions with civilian protection mandates.
  • In 507 attacks against civilians from 2010 to 2013, UN peacekeepers virtually never used force to protect civilians under attack.
  • 97% of military troops and 90% of police personnel in UN missions are men.
  • Only 19% of UN field missions are led by women.
  • In 2013, more than half of all peace agreements signed included references to women, peace, and security.

Sources:

  • United States Department of State/AllAfrica Global Media via COMTEX (February 2, 2015)
  • Remarks by Ambassador David Pressman at a Security Council Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians (January 30, 2015)
  • UN Secretary-General's Report on Women, Peace, and Security (2014)
  • UN Office of Internal Oversight Services report on peacekeeping missions (2013)