Frameworks for Responding to Sexual Violence in Conflict, Recovery and Reconstruction

Citation:

Heyzer, Noeleen. 2006. “Frameworks for Responding to Sexual Violence in Conflict, Recovery and Reconstruction.” Paper presented at the UNFPA International Symposium on Sexual Violence in Conflict and Beyond, Brussels, June 21-23.

Author: Noeleen Heyzer

Abstract:

How does the international community respond to conflicts and crises? Responses are mainly directed to emergency relief and survival needs through the Combined Appeals Processes (CAPS) in which agencies collect baskets of proposals and submit them collectively, and through the Multi-donor Trust Funds. In practice this means that the bulk of the funds go to larger agencies which do not prioritise protection or treatment of women subject to sexual violence. A new initiative by UN agencies and NGOs, the 'Joint Partnership Against Sexual Violence in Conflict and Crisis Settings', aims to strengthen prevention of sexual violence, expand services for survivors, strengthen global commitment and cooperation to tackle the issue, and provide a comprehensive evidence base for action. There is great need to ensure that the new aid effectiveness agenda addresses women's needs, including around sexual and gender violence. A related issue is the need to obtain more relevant data and indicators on violence against women. One of the most critical periods for action is that of early recovery after conflict, where there is risk of slipping back into violence, but also opportunities to build the foundations of a society where violence is no longer regarded as normal.

Topics: Gender, Women, Gender-Based Violence, Humanitarian Assistance, International Organizations, NGOs, Post-Conflict, Post-Conflict Reconstruction, Sexual Violence, SV against Women

Year: 2006