Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Role of the Health Sector

Sexual violence continues to be an integrated part of modern warfare, both through the strategic use of rape as a method of warfare and through opportunistic violence as a result of deteriorating social norms and the lack of the rule of law.

After a review of concepts, actors and the role of the health sector in the field of sexual violence in conflict settings, the report discusses how this issue can be more systematically addressed through partners and programmes supported by Norway and how sexual violence can be integrated in the work plan for the United Nations Secretary- General’s Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health.

Norway was one of the first countries to develop a national action plan for implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (SCR 1325) on women, peace and security, which was adopted in 2000. This report is part of the follow-up to the Government’s Strategic Plan 2011-2013 for the work with Women, Peace and Security. In this plan it is stated that Norway wants to contribute to a stronger emphasis on the work against sexual violence in global and multilateral health institutions and that Norway shall work to strengthen women’s access to health services during and after conflict. Prevention of sexual violence and support for survivors corresponds very well with Norway’s priorities in development cooperation and humanitarian assistance, as it addresses the gender concerns as well as the substantial health and Millennium Development Goals priorities of the Government.