Gender-Based Violence in the Context of Conflict and Crisis

In contexts of armed conflict, political instability, and climate-induced disasters, the breakdown of protection systems and legal accountability fosters environments where sexual violence, exploitation, and trafficking become more prevalent. While the international community has made significant commitments through the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda—initiated by UN Security Council Resolution 1325, and expanded in subsequent resolutions —to promote women’s protection and participation in peacebuilding, progress remains uneven. 

Women’s voices are still largely absent from peace processes and recovery efforts, and accountability for GBV crimes remains rare. The recent global aid cuts have compounded these challenges and have severely weakened GBV prevention and response efforts. Funding shortfalls have forced frontline organizations to scale back or shut down life-saving services, including safe spaces, trauma counseling, legal assistance, and emergency medical care