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Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs

DPPA on CRSV:

The prevention, deterrence and response to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is fundamentally an issue of political commitment and action. With each act representing a grave human rights violation that risks unleashing reprisals, retaliation and renewed violence, addressing rape in war goes to the heart of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs’ conflict prevention, peacemaking and peacebuilding mandate.

DPPA has prioritized CRSV prevention and response as part of its women, peace and security work, and strives to ensure CRSV considerations are integrated throughout all stages of our work. We raise early warning signs to the Security Council, and mainstream CRSV risk factors throughout our gender-sensitive conflict analysis. Through our good offices we engage with political and military actors to secure commitments to prohibit acts of sexual violence – through political dialogue and command orders, in ceasefires and in peace agreements. We work to strengthen deterrence by supporting transitional justice and accountability mechanisms, and to safeguard against efforts to grant amnesty to perpetrators. And through our peacebuilding efforts we ensure we engage and reach survivors to provide them and their families the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

News from DPPA:

Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence in War: A closer look at the work of a UN Senior Women Protection Officer: Interview with Noel Kututwa

For much of human history, conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) has been treated as an inevitable consequence of war. Each act of sexual violence has potentially inter-generational consequences for survivors, families and communities. It risks triggering acts of retaliation, vengeance and renewed violence…Read More

Each and Every Person can Play a Role: Interview with Dr. Fatima Akilu, Executive Director of the Neem Foundation, Nigeria

Even before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the four countries around Lake Chad – Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria – faced serious security, humanitarian and development challenges. Now, in addition to slowing economic growth, COVID-19 has exacerbated  political and social tensions and humanitarian challenges in the sub-region. Extremist groups in the region have not heeded the Secretary-General’s call of last March for an immediate global ceasefire in view of the pandemic and instead have called on their followers to intensify attacks. At the same time, the delivery of humanitarian assistance within conflict-affected areas has become increasingly complicated… Read More

Media:

Guidance for Mediators on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

Handbook for Field Missions on Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

More Information

DPPA Website

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DPPA Politically Speaking

DPPA Women, Peace, and Security Policy

DPPA Online Mediation Support Tool (Peacemaker)