Gender-based violence is one of the most common human rights violations worldwide. Particularly in conflict-affected contexts various forms of violence against women and LGBTIQ persons increase. Gender-based violence is a major obstacle on the path to gender justice and lasting peace.

In conflict-affected regions, sexualised and gender-based violence are on the rise. Sexualised violence is also used as a weapon of war or for political repression. The proliferation of weapons poses a further threat – even after the conflict has ended. Gender-based violence then often intensifies again, for example due to the widespread availability of small arms.

A structural problem

Sexualised and gender-based violence are not a consequence of conflict, but are a structural problem. Disregard for fundamental rights, discrimination, economic disadvantage and general devaluation on the basis of gender, sexual orientation or gender identity prepare the ground for physical violence.

A comprehensive feminist perspective

In order to effectively combat this grave violation of human rights, peacebuilding also needs to focus on this structural violence. For us, as a feminist peace organisation with an intersectional perspective, gender-based violence is a transversal issue in all our programmes.

Contributions on sexualised violence in conflict: In this collection of links you will find articles on the topic of sexualised violence in conflicts. We decided to share these contributions in order to strengthen the voices of those who engaged with the topic of sexualised violence deeply in the aftermath of the Israel-Gaza conflict.