2020.08 UN CRSV Handbook

The Handbook for United Nations Field Missions on Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual
Violence was produced by the Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Team, Policy and Best Practices Service,
Policy, Evaluation and Training Division, of the United Nations Department of Peace Operations (DPO).
It was developed jointly with the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), the Office of
the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the Office of the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (OSRSG-SVC). The handbook benefited from extensive
consultations with representatives from United Nations Field Missions with a conflict-related sexual violence
mandate (MINUSCA, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, UNAMI, UNAMID, UNMISS and UNSOM), representatives
from the United Nations Action Network on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and partners at United Nations
Headquarters.
This publication was made possible through the invaluable support of the Government of Norway and
generous contributions from the Governments of Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States
of America.
Design and layout of the Handbook was done by Frank DiCostanzo/ddacommunications.com.
All comments and questions about the Handbook are welcome and should be forwarded to
[email protected]
Copyright © United Nations 2020

All rights reserved
Manufactured in the United States of America
Reference Number 2020.08

Contents
List of Acronyms............................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
Part I: United Nations Field Missions and the Conflict-Related

Sexual Violence Mandate: Key Concepts
Chapter One: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the

Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Mandate................................................................................................................ 5
Section 1: Defining Conflict-Related Sexual Violence......................................................................................... 5
Section 2: Understanding Conflict-Related Sexual Violence............................................................................ 6
Section 3: The Guiding Principles of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Work........................................13
Section 4: Challenges to Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence............17
Chapter Two: Legal Frameworks and United Nations Security Council Resolutions
on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence............................................................................................................................20
Section 1: The Legal Framework on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.....................................................20
Section 2: The Institutional Framework on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence........................................23
Chapter Three: Operational and Coordination Frameworks to Address

Conflict-Related Sexual Violence...................................................................................................................................26
Section 1: Architecture to Address Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Field Missions....................26
Section 2: Related Protection Frameworks and Mandates.............................................................................28
Section 3: Development and Humanitarian Coordination Mechanisms....................................................31
Section 4: Coordination and Support to Civil Society Organizations.........................................................32
Section 5: Coordination with United Nations Entities at Headquarters.....................................................34
Chapter Four: The Survivor-Centred Approach and Referral Pathways...............................................35

Section 1: The Survivor-Centred Approach and Holistic Responses..........................................................35
Section 2: Referral Pathways and Responsibilities of United Nations Field Missions Personnel..37
Part II: Main Areas of Work and Functions to Prevent and Respond to
Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
Chapter Five: Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Advising and Mainstreaming................................43

Section 1: Advising on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence................................................................................43
Section 2: Mission-Wide Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Mainstreaming............................................47
Case study: Shabunda Action Plan.......................................................................................................................54

Chapter Six: Advocacy, Raising Awareness, and Capacity-Building on
Section 1: Definitions.......................................................................................................................................................56
Section 2: Advocacy and Awareness-Raising Responsibilities Within
United Nations Field Missions.................................................................................................................................57
Section 3: Roadmap of an Advocacy Strategy.....................................................................................................65
Chapter Seven: Monitoring, Analysing and Reporting on

Conflict-Related Sexual Violence................................................................................................................................... 67
Section 1: Guiding Principles for Monitoring and Reporting on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence...67
Section 2: The Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Arrangements............................................................68
Section 3: Establishing the MARA in United Nations Field Missions..........................................................70
Section 4: Monitoring and Information Gathering on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence....................73
Section 5: Analysing Trends and Patterns of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence....................................77
Section 6: Reporting on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.............................................................................80
Section 7: Intersection between the MARA and the Gender-Based Violence Information
Management System..................................................................................................................................................84
Case study: MARA and GBV Sub-Cluster Coordination............................................................................85
Chapter Eight: Providing Physical Protection to Prevent and Respond

to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence............................................................................................................................. 87
Section 1: Physical Protection and Coordination to Address
Conflict-Related Sexual Violence...............................................................................................................................87
Section 2: Early-Warning Indicators of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and Response
by Military and Police Components.....................................................................................................................90
Section 3: Actions by Military and Police Components to Prevent and Respond
to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.....................................................................................................................92
Chapter Nine: Engagement for Commitments with Parties to the Conflict

to End Conflict-Related Sexual Violence................................................................................................................... 98
Section 1: Engagement for Commitments with State and Non-State Parties to Conflict..................98
Section 2: Support to State and non-State Parties to Address
Conflict-Related Sexual Violence............................................................................................................................ 107
Case study: Engagement Strategy with Parties to Conflict................................................................. 112

Chapter Ten: Ending Impunity for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence................................................. 114
Section 1: Ending Impunity to Prevent and Respond to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence........... 114
Section 2: Adapting Mission Support to National Contexts and Judicial Responses...................... 116
Section 3: Supporting Credible Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions........................................... 118
Section 4: Judicial Protection Measures for Victims/Survivors of
Conflict-Related Sexual Violence............................................................................................................................. 124
Section 5: Political-Level Engagement to Address Impunity
and Strengthen National Justice Systems...................................................................................................... 125
Section 6: Reparations and Remedies for Victims/Survivors...................................................................... 127
Case Study: Protection for Victims and Witnesses of Human Rights and
Sexual-Violence Crimes...................................................................................................................................... 128
List of References.................................................................................................................................................................. 130

Annex ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 132
1. List of Functions and Responsibilities on CRSV within the Military Component........................... 132
2. Military Staff Branches and Responsibilities on Preventing
and Responding to CRSV...................................................................................................................................... 138
3. Training Overview for Civilian, Military, and Police Personnel
of United Nations Field Missions........................................................................................................................ 141
4. Advocacy on CRSV through International Human Rights Mechanisms............................................ 142
5. Terms of Reference for the MARA Working Group in the
Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq......................................................................................................... 144
6. Monitoring CRSV by Human Rights Components: the Five W’s and How....................................... 155
7. Joint Communiqué of the Central African Republic and the
United Nations on Prevention and Response to CRSV (2019).............................................................. 156
LIST OF ACRONYMS
CAR..................... Central African Republic MONUSCO........ United Nations Organization Stabilization

CLA..................... Community Liaison Assistant Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo
CPA..................... Child Protection Advisor MRM................... Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism
CRSV.................. Conflict-related sexual violence NGO.................... Non-governmental organization
CSO..................... Civil Society Organization OCHA.................. United Nations Office for the Coordination
of Humanitarian Affairs
DDR..................... Disarmament, Demobilization
and Reintegration OHCHR.............. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
DFS..................... Department of Field Support OSRSG-SVC..... Office of the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict
DPA..................... Department of Political Affairs (now DPPA)
PEP...................... Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
DPKO.................. Department of Peacekeeping
Operations (now DPO) POC..................... Protection of Civilians
DPO..................... Department of Peace Operations QRF..................... Quick Reaction Force
DPPA................... Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs QRT..................... Quick Reaction Team
DRC..................... Democratic Republic of the Congo ROE..................... Rules of Engagement

DUF..................... Directives on the Use of Force S/WPAs.............. Senior Women’s Protection Advisor/
Women’s Protection Advisors
FHQ..................... Force Headquarters
SEA...................... Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
GBV..................... Gender-Based Violence
SGBV.................. Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
GBVIMS............. Gender-Based Violence Information
Management System SOPs................... Standard Operation Procedures
HCT..................... Humanitarian Country Team SPLA-IO ............ Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition
HOM.................... Head of Mission SPM.................... Special Political Mission
HQ....................... Headquarters SRSG.................. Special Representative of the Secretary-General
HRDDP............... Human Rights Due Diligence Policy SRSG-SVC........ Special Representative of the Secretary-
General on Sexual Violence in Conflict
HRO.................... Human Rights Officer
SSR..................... Security Sector Reform
ICRC................... International Committee of the Red Cross
SWPA.................. Senior Women’s Protection Advisor
IDP....................... Internally Displaced Person
TOB..................... Temporary Operating Base
IMTC................... Integrated Mission Training Centres
TOE..................... Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and
INGO................... International Non-Governmental Organizations
Sexual Violence in Conflict
IOM...................... International Organization for Migration
TOR..................... Terms of Reference
IRC....................... International Rescue Committee
UNAMID............. African Union-United Nations Hybrid
ISIL...................... Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant Operation in Darfur
ISTM.................... Integrated and Specialized Training Materials UNCT.................. United Nations Country Team
JCS...................... Justice and Correction Section UNFPA................ United Nations Population Fund
JIT........................ Joint Investigation Team UNICEF.............. United Nations Children’s Fund
JMAC.................. Joint Mission Analysis Centre UNMISS............. United Nations Mission in the Republic
JOC..................... Joint Operations Centre of South Sudan
JPT...................... Joint Projection Team UNODC.............. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
MARA.................. Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Arrangements UNPOL............... United Nations Police
MGPA.................. Military Gender and Protection Advisor UNSCR............... United Nations Security Council Resolutions
MINUSCA.......... United Nations Multidimensional Integrated WHO................... World Health Organization
Stabilization Mission in the WPA ................... Women’s Protection Advisor
Central African Republic
WPS.................... Women, Peace and Security
MINUSMA.......... United Nations Multidimensional Integrated
Stabilization Mission in Mali
United Nations Field Missions Preventing and Responding to CRSV | 1

INTRODUCTION
The United Nations Security Council has recognized conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) as a peace and
security issue. Through a series of United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) on Women, Peace,
and Security, it has stressed that sexual violence can significantly exacerbate situations of armed conflict
and impede the restoration of international peace and security.1 CRSV is a serious violation of international
human rights law and international humanitarian law, which under international criminal law can amount to a
war crime, crime against humanity, or a constituent element of genocide. The Security Council has mandated
United Nations Field Missions, the United Nations system, and the international community to take action to
prevent and respond to CRSV.
This Handbook is intended to serve as a practical guide to support the implementation of the CRSV mandate
by United Nations Field Missions, including Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions.2 It
serves both as guidance for civilian,3 military, and police personnel deployed to United Nations Field Missions
and as a pre-deployment orientation tool for future Mission personnel.
The Handbook has been developed jointly by the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), the Department of
Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR),
and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict
(OSRSG-SVC). It complements and builds upon the Policy on “United Nations Field Missions: Preventing
and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence”,4 and should be read in conjunction with existing
DPO, DPPA, OHCHR, and OSRSG-SVC policies, guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). The
Handbook aims to consolidate existing good practices, methodologies, models, templates, checklists, and
other tools to address CRSV.
The Handbook defines key concepts and delineates the responsibilities of civilian, military, and police
components within United Nations Field Missions to help prevent and respond to CRSV. Using case studies
from various Field Missions, it focuses on common challenges and proposes recommendations. The guidance
and best practice described in the Handbook can be built upon and adjusted to suit the specific context and
needs of United Nations Field Missions.
Preventing and responding to CRSV is a crosscutting issue that requires engagement from multiple actors
inside and outside United Nations Field Missions. The critical importance of coordination is therefore empha-
sized throughout the Handbook: among civilian, military, and police components of Field Missions as well as
with external partners such as the host country, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), relevant United
Nations entities at Headquarters, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations
(CSOs).
1 See United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009), 1960 (2010), 2106 (2013), 2242
(2015), 2331 (2016), 2467 (2019), and 2493 (2019).
2 This Handbook strives to ensure relevance and applicability to both peacekeeping and special political missions (SPMs) while noting the
different contexts, roles, composition and resources. Some peacekeeping and SPMs have a specific Security Council mandate to prevent
and respond to CRSV—at the time of writing these are MONUSCO, MINUSCA, MINUSMA, UNMISS, UNAMID, UNSOM, and UNAMI.
While this Handbook is primarily intended for personnel serving in these Missions, its content should serve as guidance for other United
Nations Field Missions.
3 The term “civilian component” comprises all non-military and non-police components in a United Nations Field Mission, including but
not limited to the Human Rights component; Civil Affairs; Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR); Gender Unit;
HIV/AIDS; Justice and Correction Section (JCS); Joint Operations Centre (JOC); Joint Mission Analysis Centre (JMAC); the Public
Information Office; Peace and Reconciliation; Political Affairs; and Security Sector Reform (SSR) sections.
4 See United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy on United Nations Field Missions: Preventing and Responding to Conflict-
Related Sexual Violence (2020).
2 | United Nations Field Missions Preventing and Responding to CRSV

UN Photo/Felipe
Secretary-General António
Guterres addresses the Security
Council during the open debate
on CRSV in April 2019.
Part I of the Handbook familiarizes users with the definition of CRSV and the related institutional, legal, and
operational frameworks. It presents the pertinent UNSCRs on Women, Peace, and Security, which established
the CRSV mandate and the responsibilities of United Nations Field Missions to implement it. It describes the
principles that should guide all Field Mission personnel in their work on CRSV, including “do no harm” and
the survivor-centred approach.
Part II outlines the areas of work by Field Missions’ civilian, military, and police components to operationalize
the CRSV mandate. It highlights the collective efforts required to address CRSV and illustrates coordination
mechanisms through examples and case studies. The Annex provides an overview of additional reference
materials.
Color coding for text boxes:

Definition
Example
Toolbox
Good practice
United Nations Field Missions Preventing and Responding to CRSV | 3

Part I: United Nations Field Missions
and the Conflict-Related Sexual
Violence Mandate: Key Concepts
The UN Action Against Sexual Violence in

Conflict represents a concerted effort by the
United Nations system to work as one to end
CRSV. In 2010, the network launched the
Stop Rape Now campaign that mobilized
all international actors to “get cross” and
contribute to the fight against CRSV.
UN Photo/MINUSMA
4 | Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate

1
CHAPTER 1:
Conceptual Foundation and the
Evolution of the Conflict-Related
Sexual Violence Mandate
Reference documents:
This chapter presents the definition of CRSV
n United Nations – Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Report of the
used by the United Nations and outlines the
United Nations Secretary-General (annual).
various criteria to establish the links between
n United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC – Policy on United sexual violence and conflict, including when
Nations Field Missions: Preventing and Responding to Conflict-
sexual violence is used as a tactic and strategy
of war or terror. It also provides an overview of
n United Nations DPPA – Policy on Women, Peace and Security (2019). the founding principles that must guide civilian,
n United Nations DPKO-DFS – Policy on Gender Responsive United military, and police components in United Nations
Nations Peacekeeping Operations (2018). Field Missions when addressing CRSV.
n United Nations DPO – Handbook on Gender Equality and Women,
Peace and Security Resource Pack (2019). GOALS
n United Nations Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict – An To build a common understanding of the normative
Analytical and Conceptual Framing of Conflict-Related Sexual and conceptual framework on CRSV as a peace
Violence (2011). and security issue and ensure that Field Mission
personnel uphold the crosscutting principles of
n OHCHR – Guidance on Integrating A Gender Perspective into Human
Rights Investigations: Guidance and Practice (2018). “do no harm” and the “survivor-centred approach”
when addressing CRSV.
n OHCHR – Manual on Human Rights Monitoring (2011).
SECTION 1: DEFINING CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE
The United Nations defines CRSV as:
“The term “conflict-related sexual violence” refers to rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy,
forced abortion, enforced sterilization, forced marriage and any other form of sexual violence of comparable
gravity perpetrated against women, men, girls or boys that is directly or indirectly linked to a conflict. That
link may be evident in the profile of the perpetrator, who is often affiliated with a State or non-State armed
group, which includes terrorist entities; the profile of the victim, who is frequently an actual or perceived
member of a political, ethnic or religious minority group or targeted on the basis of actual or perceived sexual
orientation or gender identity; the climate of impunity, which is generally associated with State collapse,
cross-border consequences such as displacement or trafficking, and/or violations of a ceasefire agreement.
The term also encompasses trafficking in persons for the purpose of sexual violence or exploitation, when
committed in situations of conflict”.
Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Report of the United Nations Secretary-General (S/2019/280)
Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate | 5

Preventing and responding to CRSV is part of the
Security Council’s Women, Peace, and Security (WPS)
agenda.5 The WPS agenda recognizes that women and
girls face pre-existing patterns of gender inequality
and discrimination and are the most frequent targets
of all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
(SGBV),6 including sexual violence during armed
conflict and political strife. The prevention of CRSV
UN Photo/Frechon
is an integral part of the broader Security Council
mandates on conflict prevention and sustaining peace.
CRSV is a form of SGBV. SGBV is any type of violence
directed against individuals or groups based on their Victims/survivors of sexual violence accessing care in a women’s
sex or gender. Women, men, girls, boys and lesbian, shelter in North Kivu, DRC.
gay, bi, trans, and intersex (LGBTI) people can all be
victims of SGBV. However, it disproportionally affects women and girls due to deeply entrenched gender norms
and unequal power relationships. SGBV is endemic in all societies, due to the global nature of gender inequality
and not necessarily, conflict related. It increases further during periods of conflict, population displacement and
political instability.7 While CRSV is one form of SGBV, other forms include female genital mutilation, intimate
partner violence, domestic violence, and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.8
SECTION 2: UNDERSTANDING CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE
2.1. THE LINKS BETWEEN CONFLICT AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE

CRSV is deliberate and brutal and intended to humiliate and/or punish individuals and their communities. It
causes long-term trauma to individuals and their communities. It may be used as a weapon of war and/or tactic
of terrorism (see the following section). Although the scale may vary, CRSV rarely occurs in isolation and is often
perpetrated alongside other acts of violence such as killings, child recruitment into armed groups, looting, or
destruction of property.
For sexual violence to be considered as conflict-related, a direct or indirect link to the conflict or situation of
concern is necessary (i.e., temporal, geographical, and/or causal link). The section below outlines key principles
to consider when assessing whether sexual violence is conflict-related and provides examples. United Nations
Field Mission personnel should read the definitions provided in this handbook considering the specific context
in which they serve.
5 For further information, see “Chapter Two: Legal Frameworks and United Nations Security Council Resolutions on Conflict-Related
Sexual Violence.”
6 The terms Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) are used interchangeably. The primary
difference being that “SGBV” is used to emphasize sexual violence from other forms of GBV (e.g., femicide).
7 For more information, see the DPKO-DFS policy on Gender Responsive United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (2018). Available at:
https://peacekeeping.un.org/sites/default/files/english_gender_responsive_united_nations_peacekeeping_operations_policy_1.pdf.
8 CRSV is distinct from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) by United Nations personnel. According to ST/SGB/2003/13, sexual abuse
refers to actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. Sexual
exploitation is any actual or attempted abuse of position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including,
but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially, or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. This includes acts such as
transactional sex, solicitation of transactional sex and exploitative relationships. The United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/OSRSG-SVC
Policy on “United Nations Field Missions: Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” (2019) and this Handbook
do not cover SEA. For more details on how the United Nations addresses SEA, see https://www.un.org/preventing-sexual-exploitation-
and-abuse/. Also see the last report of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Report on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual
Exploitation and Abuse (A/73/744, 2019). Available at: https://undocs.org/en/A/73/744.

For acts of sexual violence to be conflict-related,
at least two of the links below should be established.
A TEMPORAL LINK:
This requires proximity between the act of sexual violence and the period of conflict, such as when sexual
violence occurs during armed conflict. Sexual violence may also be considered conflict-related if it occurs
in a context of instability that may escalate to armed conflict, during a period of occupation, or when it
takes place in the aftermath of conflict but prior to the full restoration of State authority. Sexual violence
perpetrated against persons deprived of their liberty in connection with a conflict may also be considered
as CRSV.
Example: During the Liberian Civil War (1999–2003) sexual violence was perpetrated by all parties. It was
not addressed in the 2003 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the society was rebuilt on a foundation
of impunity for war crimes, with rape being the crime most often reported to the Liberian National Police.
Entrenched in society after so many years of civil war, sexual violence became common during the post-
conflict period and can therefore be considered conflict related. In 2009, President Sirleaf made the
following statement, “[Long years of war] introduced into our national psyche a culture of violence. Rape
was never a problem for us in our traditional society. Today it is a serious problem. The conflicts went on
so long that now these things have become part of our cultural habits”.
A GEOGRAPHIC LINK:
This requires that acts of sexual violence occur in conflict-affected areas, including areas of active warfare
and other areas impacted by conflict. Such impacts may affect only part of a territory, border areas or an
entire region.
Example: A woman reports a rape to a medical NGO in a village in Walikale, in the East of the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC). Eastern DRC is a conflict-affected area and her report was one of multiple
reports from the same area at approximately the same time. The rape coincided with the movement of
armed actors in the area.
A CAUSAL LINK:
This requires consideration of the extent to which pre-conflict levels of sexual violence are exacerbated
by the conditions of conflict and/or ensuing displacement of the population and detention. An assessment
on whether acts of sexual violence are linked with the general breakdown of law and order, and can be
considered conflict-related, or whether they are criminal conduct unrelated to the conflict is essential.
Other factors useful to consider include whether the existence of conflict played a substantial part in the
perpetrator’s ability to commit sexual violence, the way in which it was committed, and the purpose for
which it was committed. Situations of political instability or other preoccupying situations should be taken
into consideration even if they do not reach the threshold of an armed conflict.
Example: In Guinea, in September 2009, sexual violence was used to serve political ends and to target
opponents in a context of the breakdown of law and order, and therefore it was deemed to be conflict
related. At least 109 women and girls were victims of sexual violence and nearly 200 people were killed or
disappeared in the context of demonstrations by opposition supporters demanding a return to civilian rule.

Displaced women carry firewood and
other belongings into the UNAMID
base in South Darfur, Sudan.
UNAMID/ Farran
In addition, the criteria listed below help in determining whether an act of sexual violence is conflict related. When
an incident meets one or more of these criteria, it should be reported as CRSV.
£ Profile of the perpetrator
Perpetrators of CRSV are usually affiliated with either State or non-State entities. This may include national armed
forces, police, or other security entities; terrorist entities or networks; local militias; armed groups; or traffickers.
The profile of perpetrators may be evidenced by their uniform and insignia, distinctive modus operandi, or signature
patterns of abuse associated with specific groups.
Determining the motives of perpetrators may help to establish the link between sexual violence and conflict
(See Section 2.2 of this chapter). In conflict-affected areas, State actors and non-State armed groups may, for
instance, use CRSV to terrorize local populations believed to be supporters of their enemies.
£ Profile of the victim/survivor 9
CRSV is often perpetrated in the context of other violations and abuses against civilians; who may be targeted
due to their actual or perceived membership to a political, ethnic, or religious minority group, or based on their
actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. Moreover, individuals believed to be engaged in
activities deemed threatening to parties to the conflict might also be targeted, such as journalists and human
rights defenders, including women’s rights activists, etc.
As previously mentioned, while anybody can be affected by CRSV, women and girls continue to be dispropor-
tionately affected and primarily targeted due to the continuum of discrimination and violence they were exposed
9 To identify a person who experienced sexual violence as “victim” or “survivor” primarily depends on the preference/self-identification
of the concerned individual. United Nations staff should be respectful of these choices. The context in which the term is used may
vary. For example, the term “victim” is used when indicating that a person has been subjected to a violation of international law or a
crime. The term is broad in that victims of sexual violence are those individuals who directly experienced the violence as well as those who
were indirectly affected (for example, children born of CRSV). The term “survivor” is more commonly used in connection with the healing
process of an individual who experienced sexual violence as it implies agency and resiliency. There is no United Nations-wide agreement
on the use of one term or the other. Both terms can be used simultaneously and interchangeably. This document uses the term
“victim/survivor”. See: United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy on “United Nations Field Missions: Preventing and Responding
to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” (2020); and, OHCHR Manual on Human Rights Monitoring (“Chapter 12: Trauma and Self-Care”).

to before the conflict or political strife. Refugees and displaced persons, unaccompanied or separated children
and orphans, elderly people, persons with disabilities, and LGBTI persons are moreover in a situation of heightened
vulnerability to CRSV. Victims/survivors of CRSV may also include women and men combatants and forcibly
recruited children in armed groups.
Determining the profile of victims/survivors who become the targets of CRSV is important in establishing the link
between sexual violence and conflict. For example, it may help in rendering visible a pattern or policy against
certain groups. The factors described vary in each context and therefore require a thorough gender-sensitive
contextual analysis and threat assessment to understand the complex dynamics of CRSV and the specific risks
communities face.
CRSV against men, boys, and LGBTI persons

CRSV has been strategically perpetrated against men and boys, and reported in conflict-affected situations,
including in the Central African Republic (CAR), DRC, and South Sudan. Incidents include rape, gang
rape, forced nudity, and other forms of inhumane and degrading treatment and occur primarily in villages
and detention facilities. Men and boys face reporting barriers because of the stigma related to perceived
emasculation, as well as particular physical and psychological consequences. In some countries, the existing
legal framework, and the subsequent consequences male victims/survivors of sexual violence face exacerbate
underreporting. In recent years, the number of reports of CRSV perpetrators targeting persons on the basis
of their actual or perceived sexual orientation and/or gender identity, including LGBTI persons, in Colombia,10
Syria,11 and Myanmar12 has increased.
UN Photo/Perret
UNMISS visits detention facilities in Bor, South Sudan, to monitor allegations of CRSV and human rights violations and provide technical advice
to the South Sudan national police.
10 For more information, see the Annual Report of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (2019), accessible at:
https://www.un.org/sexualviolenceinconflict/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/report/s-2019-280/Annual-report-2018.pdf
11 For more information, see “”I lost my dignity”: Sexual and gender-based violence in the Syrian Arab Republic”, Human Rights Council
(2018), accessible at: https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/CoISyria/A-HRC-37-CRP-3.pdf.
12 For more information, see “Sexual and gender-based violence in Myanmar and the gendered impact of its ethnic conflicts”, Human Rights
Council (2019), accessible at: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/session42/Pages/ListReports.aspx.

UN Photo/Dormino
A man prays at the Great
Mosque of Djenné in the
central region of Mali.
CRSV to punish civilians or target specific groups

In CAR, elements of the Anti-Balaka armed group raped women for supposedly selling vegetables to the
opposing parties to the conflict.
During the ethnic conflict in Tanganyika Province of the DRC, warring Twa and Luba militias raped women,
girls, and boys from each other’s ethnic groups as a way to harm and weaken each other’s communities.
£ Climate of impunity and State collapse

The breakdown of government authority and the rule of law are key characteristics that lead to a culture of
impunity, which allows sexual violence to flourish. The failure by national authorities to investigate and prosecute
sexual-violence crimes perpetrated by parties to the conflict or the lack of effective control over the territory are
manifestations of State collapse.
£ Cross-border consequences including displacement or trafficking in persons
CRSV is both a driver of and a result of forced displacement within a country or across borders. For instance, CRSV
can be used to forcibly displace communities to seize land and resources. In refugee and internal displacement
camps, victims/survivors may suffer from sexual violence at the hands of State authorities, armed groups, traf-
fickers, smugglers who control resources and services, as well as other local or displaced individuals. The nexus
between CRSV, trafficking, and violent extremism has been recognized by the United Nations Security Council.13
CRSV in the context of migration and trafficking in Libya

In 2018, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya documented accounts by migrant women and girls
who were victims or witnesses of sexual violence by smugglers, traffickers, and members of armed groups,
as well as by Ministry of Interior officials during their journey through Libya and in migrant detention centres.
Migrant women and girls have been raped and exposed to other forms of CRSV, including forced prostitu-
tion and sexual exploitation in conditions amounting to sexual slavery.
13 See UNSCR 2331 (2016).

£ Violations of the provisions of a ceasefire agreement
Sexual violence is frequently used as a method or tactic of warfare and consequently needs to be addressed as
part of comprehensive and effective ceasefire and peace agreements. The continued perpetration of CRSV must
be monitored and addressed both as a security concern and a violation of the relevant provisions of the agreements.
CRSV in violation of the comprehensive peace agreement in South Sudan

The 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan included
several relevant provisions on CRSV, including: “Parties shall refrain from prohibited actions which include,
among others: acts and forms of sexual and gender-based violence, including sexual exploitation and
harassment” and [the] “Hybrid Court for South Sudan shall have jurisdiction with respect to: serious crimes
under international law and relevant laws of the Republic of South Sudan, including gender-based crimes
and sexual violence”.
Despite this, major clashes continued in South Sudan (in Western Bahr el-Ghazal, Central and Western
Equatoria, and Unity States), which featured the systematic use of CRSV, specifically targeting women and
girls to terrorize, punish, and displace the local population.
2.2. CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE

In a camp for IDPs in South Darfur,
AS A TACTIC OF WAR AND TERRORISM Sudan, a displaced woman rides her
donkey to the water point to collect
Both State actors and non-State actors may use water provided by UNAMID.
CRSV as a tactic and strategy of war or terror to pursue
political or military objectives, and as part of a wide-
spread or systematic attack against civilians.
While the scale, methods, and motives for commit-
ting CRSV vary across operational environments and
perpetrators, some of the motives and purposes for
committing CRSV include:
n Control over a population (through terror or
intimidation);
n Control over a territory (vital terrain, cities, trade
routes, etc.);
n Control over natural resources (mining areas,
fossil-fuel reserves, forests, water sources, etc.);

n Control over lives and reproduction abilities
through deliberate targeting of ethnic/religious
communities;
n Punishment of civilians suspected of supporting
opponents;
n Humiliation of victims/survivors to destroy the
social fabric of societies and fracture families and
communities; and
UNAMID/Farran
n As a form of socialization and group bonding
between perpetrators, incentive for recruitment,

or to generate revenues.

CRSV as a military tactic
CRSV is used to displace communities, expel so-called “undesirable” groups, and seize contested land
and other resources. In 2018, in South Sudan, allied militias raped women and girls as part of a campaign
to drive opponents out of southern Unity State. Sexual violence was also used as a means of repression,
terror, and control.
CRSV as a “pull factor” for combatants and for the self-perpetuation of groups
Terrorist groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as Da’esh, have used
sexual slavery as a “pull” factor for the recruitment of fighters. Combatants were lured into joining the group
by the promise of receiving “bush wives”. Moreover, sexual slavery has generated large revenues to finance
their operations by selling women and girls at open markets and by collecting ransom payments from trauma-
tized communities, thereby helping to fuel conflicts across entire regions.
CRSV to dehumanize combatants
Terrorist and armed groups organizations use CRSV to cut the ties between recruits and their communities. In
Somalia, Al Shabaab used sexual violence as a ritual initiation process to cut the bonds of new recruits to
civil society. In Uganda, the Lord’s Resistance Army used sexual slavery as part of their long-term strategy
to detach combatants from society and thereby enhance allegiance within the group. These practices aim
to prevent combatants from leaving the armed group, as in many cases they cannot return to their home
communities.
Perpetrating CRSV often

serves multiple motives and
purposes. This diagram is
not an exhaustive list of
motives and purposes for
committing CRSV.

SECTION 3: THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE WORK
The “guiding principles” are a set of fundamental considerations that must be respected by all United Nations
Field Mission personnel working on CRSV, as set out in the Policy on United Nations Field Missions: Preventing
and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (2019) (hereinafter referred to as United Nations CRSV
Policy).14
The cornerstone and crosscutting principles that should guide CRSV work15 are “do no harm” and the
“survivor-centred approach”.16 The overall objective is to uphold the dignity and human rights of victims/
survivors while protecting them from further harm, stigma, and marginalization without discrimination. This
approach requires United Nations Field Mission personnel to put victims/survivors at the centre of any intervention
and to strive to minimize possibilities of harming victims/survivors inadvertently through their intervention or by
not intervening. This allows CRSV work to ultimately promote victims/survivor’s empowerment and agency. This
section expands on the guiding principles and provides examples of how they should be applied. Field Mission
personnel must strictly adhere to these principles in all interventions aimed at addressing CRSV and should
implement them with due diligence and professionalism.
As the personnel of all components of Field Missions may encounter victims/survivors of CRSV or information
on CRSV provided by other sources during the course of their activities, they should always follow the guiding
principles. They should ensure that victims/survivors are referred to service providers as quickly as possible,
subject to obtaining their informed consent (see below). Engagement with victims/survivors of CRSV, especially
The founder of a UN Photo/Ahmed

Somali NGO supporting
victims/survivors of GBV in
Mogadishu, Somalia.
14 United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy on United Nations Field Missions: Preventing and Responding to Conflict-
15 These principles should also guide personnel when it comes to cases of SGBV.
16 This handbook uses the term “survivor-centred approach” in line with UNSCR 2467 (2019). This resolution affirms, for the first time,
that a survivor-centred approach is required to address CRSV in all United Nations peacemaking, peace operations, and peace
building initiatives, including in the context of security and justice sector reform and in negotiations of peace agreements and ceasefire
verification mechanisms. The use of the terms “victim-centred approach” and “survivor-centred approach” may vary, depending on the
context. They can be used simultaneously and interchangeably, as indicated in the CRSV policy (see para 12 and 16). For more information
on the survivor-centred approach, see “Chapter Four: The Survivor-Centred Approach and Referral Pathways” of this Handbook.

children, should be carefully considered and, where possible, conducted by trained Mission personnel only.17
Information on cases of CRSV should be shared promptly with Women’s Protection Advisors (WPAs) or CRSV
focal points from the Human Rights component.18 The second part of this Handbook, as well as the United
Nations CRSV Policy, provides further explanation of roles and responsibilities of Mission personnel.
Do No Harm: This principle refers to the fundamental obligation not to expose any victim/survivor to further
harm or suffering, both physical and psychological. Mission personnel should always be aware of the potential
risks of causing further harm to victims/survivors of CRSV in the context of their work, including re-traumatization,
stigmatization, violence, and marginalization.19 While proactive efforts to protect and assist victims/survivors of
CRSV are often required, sometimes this implies that not taking action may be the best course of action to avoid
causing further harm, particularly in light of the stigma and marginalization attached to sexual violence and the
potential risk for victims/survivors to be further harmed by their families and communities. For example, in some
societies, victims/survivors may be rejected after it becomes known they were subjected to CRSV, in others they
may be forced to marry their attacker. A proper assessment of the protection risks, gender dynamics, and social
attitudes relating to sexual violence, which may result in further harm to victims/survivors of CRSV, is required
prior to deciding whether to intervene. A rigorous assessment allows Mission personnel to exercise good judg-
ment, caution, and sensitivity in all its interactions with victims/survivors.
Confidentiality: Personally identifiable information relating to CRSV incidents must, as a default, be treated as
confidential by all Mission personnel for the protection of victims/survivors, their families, and witnesses. Measures
must be taken to safeguard the confidentiality of recorded information, including the identities of victims/survivors
and witnesses.
Informed consent: Consent must always be sought from victims/survivors of CRSV, witnesses and other
cooperating persons on the use of the information they provide to Field Mission personnel, including for follow-up
action, reporting, and information sharing with other United Nations agencies and external partners.
For consent to be “informed consent”, victims/survivors and other cooperating persons must understand fully
the purpose of the information gathering process, the procedures that are going to be followed, the intended
use of the information shared, and how it is going to be protected. Personally identifiable information that can
identify the victims/survivors must always be confidential and protected because of the potential personal risks
of providing such information. United Nations Field Mission personnel must explain all of this, in a clear and
simple manner. Furthermore, victims/survivors and other cooperating persons may decide not to grant consent
and not to share information with Mission personnel. At all times, Mission personnel must respect the decision
of victims/survivors or other cooperating persons.20
17 Where possible, interactions with victims/survivors should be carried out by Women’s Protection Advisors (WPAs), Human Rights Officers,
CPAs or other CRSV focal points. For more information on CRSV focal points in United Nations Field Missions, see “Chapter Five:
Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Advising and Mainstreaming” of this Handbook.
18 In Field Missions where there is no SWPA and no Human Rights component, the SRSG/HOM/most senior United Nations official
shall provide guidance on information sharing and reporting on CRSV, in coordination with OSRSG-SVC, OHCHR and DPPA or DPO,
as applicable, while ensuring that sensitive information that may lead to the identification of victims/survivors, witnesses, and other
sources of information is not shared.
19 The CRSV Policy explains that “Do No Harm” principles should be interpreted broadly and include physical violence and threats,
re-traumatization, stigmatization, and marginalization at the hands of alleged perpetrators or their families and communities. United
Nations personnel should exercise good judgment, caution, and sensitivity in all interactions with victims/survivors, their family members,
or witnesses. For more information on this principle, see the United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy on “United Nations
Field Missions: Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” (2020) and the OHCHR Manual on Human Rights
Monitoring (2011).
20 Mission personnel must consider the evolving protection situation of victims/survivors. If there is a risk of endangering the victim/
survivor by sharing information, information should not be disclosed even if informed consent was previously granted.

In addition, Mission personnel should offer to explain referrals processes to the victim/survivor, and upon interest
of the victim/survivor, carefully explain each of the steps as well as the implications of any information sharing.21
Gender-sensitivity: All Mission personnel should use respectful non-discriminatory language and be conscious
not to reinforce gender stereotypes. Personnel should take into account the different experiences, situations,
needs, and attributes of women, men, girls, boys, and persons of diverse sexual orientation and/or gender identity
in all interactions and in the design and implementation of responses to CRSV.22 A victim/survivor should be
able to choose whether they prefer interacting with female or male personnel. All members of United Nations
teams with a monitoring and investigations mandate should be prepared to deal with CRSV cases in line with
the guiding principles of CRSV work.
Common wrongful assumptions

about CRSV victims/survivors: Facts:
Elderly women cannot be victims/ Sexual assault can happen to any person regardless
survivors of CRSV. of age.
Men cannot be raped; they are Men and boys can be victims of sexual violence,
only perpetrators of CRSV. particularly in detention contexts. Most perpetrators
of CRSV are men.
A lot of victims/survivors lie about This is not born out statistically, with underreporting of
being raped/sexually assaulted sexual violence a far more common feature of conflict.
or give false reports. All reports of CRSV should be thoroughly examined
before arriving to conclusions.
Victims/survivors of CRSV will Every person processes trauma differently. A victim/

cry, be upset or emotional. survivor may go through a variety of emotions or they
may be numb (i.e., unable to feel or process emotion
due to trauma).
Only women can interact and Victims/survivors may choose to share their experience
interview victims/survivors with persons of either sex. The decision should be
of CRSV. made by them.
All victims/survivors of CRSV There are many reasons why victims/survivors may
will want to get medical care prefer not to access services and report their case
and report to the police. (e.g., due to stigmatization).
21 For more information on access to available services, see “Chapter Four: The Survivor-Centred Approach and Referral Pathways” of
this Handbook.
22 The assumption that (possible) victims/survivors of CRSV are synonymous with female victims/survivors of CRSV should be avoided.
Men and boys can also be victims/survivors of CRSV. For more information on the use of gender-sensitive language in reporting, refer
to “Integrating a Gender Perspective into Human Rights Investigations” (OHCHR, 2018). Available at: https://www.ohchr.org/Docu-
ments/Publications/IntegratingGenderPerspective_EN.pdf

Survivor-Centred Approach: The rights, needs, and choices of CRSV victims/survivors, as identified by
themselves, should be at the centre of all CRSV prevention and response efforts taken by United Nations Field
Missions. Implementing a victim/survivor-centred approach requires personnel to, among others:
1. Protect victims/survivors’ human rights, including the right to equality and non-discrimination, life, liberty;
security of person; freedom from torture, cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment; and access to health
care and services, etc. This means, for example, that Mission personnel should support gender-sensitive
interventions that guarantee victims/survivors human rights, including by ensuring their physical and psy-
chological protection and safety from alleged perpetrators; their fair and dignified treatment at all times;
their access to services adapted to their needs; and their access to justice, including reparations.
2. Respect victims/survivors’ individual choices. Each person must be treated as a unique individual with
different and specific needs and priorities. Mission personnel must listen to victims/survivors to under-
stand their needs and to support them in a way that promotes their rights and respects their informed
choices. This requires not making assumptions about what is in the victims/survivors’ best interests.
3. Promote victims/survivors’ empowerment by placing their informed choices at the centre of responses.
Individuals must be given appropriate information to enable them to take informed decisions regarding
their medical, sexual, reproductive, psychosocial, psychological, legal, and security needs, as well as
their participation in justice and accountability processes. For example, if a victim/survivor declines to
undergo a medical examination, United Nations Mission personnel must provide clear information that
this could potentially hinder their recovery, as well as the ability to convict a suspect. Victims/survivors
should be informed of their right to be accompanied by a support person to any information session or
service provider, and to decide by whom (e.g., family members, service providers, etc.). Likewise, victims/
survivors must be provided with practical and realistic information on what to expect in accessing these
resources. Please refer to Chapter Four for more information on multi-sectoral services.
4. Treat all victims/survivors with respect, dignity, and equally, without discrimination. Victims/survivors
should be treated equally and without discrimination. It is the responsibility of United Nations Mission
personnel to treat every victim/survivor with respect and dignity, regardless of the circumstances of the
incident, the sex, gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, language, political affiliation
or any other opinion of the victim/survivor. Assumptions must never be made about the history or back-
ground of the victim/survivor. United Nations Mission personnel should be aware of their own prejudices
and assumptions and take action to prevent personal beliefs from influencing their work. It is important
to be aware of language, body language, and general attitude toward a victim/survivor in interactions
with them. The language used by United Nations Mission personnel may affect, for example, the victim/
survivor’s willingness to pursue justice.
Best interests of the child: In all actions concerning children (any person under the age of 18), the best interests
of the child shall be the primary consideration. Children, especially younger ones, should be interviewed only
in exceptional circumstances (e.g., if the information is critical and cannot be obtained through other means or
sources) and after a careful assessment. While children may not be able to give legal consent, they should still
be asked permission before speaking to them about their experiences.23 Assessing the best interests of a child
23 For more information on conducting interviews with children, see OHCHR Manual on Human Rights Monitoring, (“Chapter 11:
Interviewing”).

requires Mission personnel to evaluate and balance relevant information regarding a specific situation involving
an individual child or a group of children to make a decision. Based on the evolving capacities of the child,
children should participate in decisions that affect them.24
MONUSCO/Asmani
A celebration of International Women’s Day, under the theme: “Fellow Congolese men and women, let’s stand up for women’s rights” in
Kinshasa, DRC.
SECTION 4: CHALLENGES TO PREVENTING AND RESPONDING TO CONFLICT-RELATED

SEXUAL VIOLENCE
While the situation on the ground may vary, there are common challenges to preventing and responding to CRSV
for United Nations Field Missions and host governments, including the following:
1. CRSV is under-reported by victims/survivors and their family members. Systemic under-reporting may be
due to several factors, including risks of stigmatization and reprisals.25 The culture of silence around sexual
violence hinders victims/survivors from accessing medical care, including sexual and reproductive health
services, and psychological support as well as from claiming their rights for redress and reparation. More-
over, response efforts to CRSV fail to be prioritized and are under resourced by national legal mechanisms
and institutions.
24 For further guidance, please see the Convention on the Rights of the Child, General comment No. 14 (2013) on the right of the child to
have his or her best interests taken as a primary consideration (art. 3, para. 1). Available at: https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/
treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=CRC%2fC%2fGC%2f14&Lang=en
25 Victims/survivors often suffer from stigmatization due to its prevalence across many contexts. It is socially and culturally constructed
around dominance and inequality and involves penalizing or placing blame on CRSV victims/survivors for bringing shame to their
communities or families. It leads to the social exclusion of victims/survivors of CRSV and to further harm and suffering that can include
the loss of their families and livelihoods. Potential or actual rejection from their community often makes recovery an uphill battle for
victims/survivors. In many instances, children born of rape are rejected by their mother, family, and/or community, which leads to
deprivation and destitution.

Good practice: By reaching out to various spheres of society and carrying out sensitization efforts, United
Nations Field Missions can shift attitudes on CRSV victims/survivors towards protection, empathy, and respect.
Victims/survivors must never be blamed for the crime, punished, and excluded as a result of CRSV. Families
and communities should be encouraged to support victims/survivors and to put community-protection and
integration mechanisms in place.26 The establishment of other support and protection structures should also
be encouraged in the case of rejection by families and communities.
2. Due to underreporting, CRSV is often invisible, and the extent of its perpetration difficult to ascertain, even
when it is widespread. The specific circumstances in which it takes places and the identity and motives of
perpetrators are often hard to identify. This makes prevention efforts complex and challenging. The lack of
CRSV reports does not mean incidents do not occur.
Good practice: To overcome the challenges of underreporting, United Nations Field Missions must assume
that CRSV is present in areas of deployment and take comprehensive measures to identify it and build trust
with local populations. For instance, when engaging with the population or conducting protection assessments,
Mission personnel should systematically inquire about protection concerns of the population and specific
threats against women and girls. They should also engage with diverse population groups, including CSOs,
women’s groups, and health and GBV service providers. Information that may identify specific individuals should,
however, never be asked (See Section 3 for more information on confidentiality and other guiding principles).
3. In conflict-affected situations, weak state authority and the lack of response from national judicial institu-
tions to CRSV incidents can fuel a culture of impunity. There may be little or no public confidence in the
formal justice system, and perceptions that the police and judiciary are partial, judgmental, corrupt, and/or
that members of these institutions are themselves perpetrators of violence. Victims/survivors of CRSV of-
ten face enormous obstacles in accessing justice and are consequently reluctant to file complaints against
their attackers. Traditional, informal, and community-based mechanisms may be inadequate to deal with
sexual-violence crimes in line with international human rights and judicial norms and standards.
Good practice: As United Nations Field Missions support the fight against impunity for CRSV, they should
promote access to justice for victims/survivors. A victim/survivor who is treated with respect and perceives
judicial authorities to be fair is more likely to report their case. United Nations Field Missions can help national
authorities to increase access to services by building the capacity of interviewers, police, and judges to improve
understanding of the guiding principles and the survivor-centred approach to CRSV.27
4. Weak or non-existing health infrastructure in many conflict-affected areas prevents and restricts access
of victims/survivors to medical services, including sexual, reproductive, and mental health services. CRSV
has serious and life-changing consequences for victims/survivors28 and the lack of access to services reduces
their ability to seek the support needed to rebuild their lives.
26 For more information on the roles and responsibilities of United Nations Field Mission components in carrying out advocacy, see
“Chapter Six: Advocacy, Raising Awareness, and Capacity-building on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” of this Handbook.
27 For more information on capacity building of judicial authorities, see “Chapter Ten: Ending Impunity for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence”
of this Handbook.
28 CRSV can have serious and long-term consequences on victims/survivors, which include among others, physical injuries to the
reproductive and urinary tract systems, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases including HIV, mental trauma, marginalization including
physical ostracization and banishment, and death.

Good practice: United Nations Field Missions, in coordination with the UNCT, should support access to
holistic care for all victims/survivors of CRSV by sharing information with them and their communities about
referral pathways and available care services. The Senior Women’s Protection Advisor (SWPA) and WPAs
should coordinate with the humanitarian community (including the UNCT, Humanitarian Country Team, and
other existing coordination mechanisms) to obtain updated CRSV/SGBV service maps, including those that
provide Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) kits29, so that victims/survivors can be referred efficiently.30
5. Gender-based discrimination and gender inequality predating the conflict constitute the main barrier for
preventing CRSV against women and girls and preventing them from exercising their rights, including their
right to justice, to access health services, and to participate in decisions that affect their lives, including
peacemaking and peacebuilding activities. Furthermore, gendered stereotypes linked to masculinity, homo-
phobia, and social taboos, along with biased legal frameworks, may prevent male victims/survivors from
exercising their rights and from being included in prevention efforts and service provision.
Good practice: Field Missions should promote gender equality and the full and equal rights of women and
girls. All conflict and political analyses should be gender sensitive and be conducted to integrate a gender
perspective across the Mission work. Such context-specific analyses must include and distinguish between
the differentiated political, economic, and security needs of women, men, girls, and boys, as well as other
groups, in situations of vulnerability. They must also reflect local cultural norms. Specific steps should be
taken to support the participation of women and girls in peace and political processes, and to ensure that the
perspectives of other traditionally excluded groups are considered.
29 PEP is a short-term anti-retroviral treatment that reduces the likelihood of HIV infection after exposure to HIV-infected blood or sexual
contact with an HIV-positive person. It should be administered within 24 hours, and no later than 72 hours.
30 For more information on referral pathways, see “Chapter Four: The Survivor-Centred Approach and Referral Pathways” of this Handbook.

2
CHAPTER 2:
Legal Frameworks and United Nations
Security Council Resolutions on
As both international law and United Nations Security Council
n United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1325
Resolutions (UNRSC) form the normative framework on CRSV,
(2000); 1820 (2009); 1888 (2009); 1889 (2010);
this chapter provides an overview of the legal framework on
1960 (2011); 2106 (2013); 2122 (2013); 2242
CRSV, namely how CRSV is addressed under international
(2015); 2467 (2019), and 2493 (2019).
humanitarian law, international human rights law, and domestic
n United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy law, and of the UNSCRs on CRSV.
on United Nations Field Missions: Preventing and
Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence GOALS
(2020). To familiarize users with the legal framework on CRSV and the
n OHCHR Guidance Note on Documenting and Ana- relevant UNSCRs for the implementation of the CRSV mandate
lysing Sexual Violence (forthcoming in 2020). by United Nations Field Missions.
SECTION 1: THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK ON CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Sexual violence in conflict is recognized, codified, and prosecuted as one of the most serious violations of inter-
national law, including international human rights and international humanitarian law. It can also amount to a crime
under international criminal law.
Sexual violence is recognized as a crime in most national legal systems. It is the primary responsibility of the
State under international law to prevent and investigate CRSV, prosecute perpetrators and provide reparations to
victims/survivors of CRSV.
1.1. SEXUAL VIOLENCE AS A VIOLATION OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW

International human rights law applies both in times of peace and conflict. While the primary obligation to uphold
human rights falls on States, it is increasingly understood that armed groups, notably those in effective control
of territory and over the populations therein, also have human rights obligations.
Acts of sexual violence infringe upon a number of human rights, including the right to life; to liberty and security
of the person; to privacy; to not be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punish-
ment; to equality; to equal protection under the law; and to be free from all forms of discrimination. It constitutes
a violation of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. States are required to exercise due
diligence to prevent, investigate, and prosecute acts of sexual violence perpetrated by State and non-State actors
and to provide reparations to victims/survivors.31
Sexual violence includes acts of a sexual nature, which are perpetrated against a person without his or her consent,
often by force or coercion. These acts constitute a human rights violation if:
a. Sexual violence is committed by a public official, or is committed at the instigation of, with the consent
of, or acquiescence of a public official; or
31 For further information, see OHCHR Guidance Note on Documenting and Analysing Sexual Violence (forthcoming in 2020).
20 | Chapter 2: Legal Frameworks and United Nations Security Council Resolutions on CRSV
b. The State fails to ensure that sexual violence is effectively investigated or, where there is sufficient
evidence for prosecution, fails to ensure perpetrators are prosecuted and punished in accordance with
the gravity of the offence, whether they are State or non-State actors; or
c. The State fails to exercise due diligence to adequately protect persons from sexual violence by non-
State actors by, among others, criminalizing all forms of sexual violence, establishing mechanisms for
investigation and prosecution and implementing comprehensive awareness-raising programmes.32
1.2. SEXUAL VIOLENCE AS A VIOLATION OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW

International humanitarian law establishes binding rules on how conflicts, including non-international armed
conflicts, are conducted and how persons who either do not or no longer take direct part in hostilities must be
treated. It applies only during armed conflicts, irrespective of whether they are classified as international or internal.
The 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols of 197733 expressly prohibit rape, enforced prostitu-
tion, and other forms of sexual violence or indecent assault on civilians and more generally, prohibits attacks on
personal dignity, including humiliating and degrading treatment.
1.3. SEXUAL VIOLENCE AS AN INTERNATIONAL CRIME

International criminal law deals with the criminal responsibility of individuals for international crimes. According
to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court sexual violence encompasses the following offences:
rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, enforced sterilization, and any other form of sexual
violence of comparable gravity.34 These other forms of sexual violence may include, among others, forced nudity,
trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation, forced virginity testing, and intrusive strip searches.35 Rape and
other forms of sexual violence can be investigated and prosecuted as a war crime, as a crime against humanity,
and as a constitutive act of genocide.
UN Photo/Ferré
A high-level dialogue in the Human Rights Council in Geneva on combatting sexual violence in the DRC.
32 For further information, see OHCHR Guidance Note on Documenting and Analysing Sexual Violence (forthcoming in 2020).
33 For further information on the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, please refer to the International Committee of the
Red Cross. Available at: https://www.icrc.org/en/document/geneva-conventions-1949-additional-protocols
34 For further information on sexual violence as an international crime, please refer to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal
Court. Available at: https://www.icc-cpi.int/resource-library/Documents/RS-Eng.pdf
35 Further information on International Criminal Law Guidelines and forms of sexual violence can be found in The Hague Principles on
Sexual Violence. Available at: https://4genderjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/The-Hague-Principles-on-Sexual-Violence.pdf
Chapter 2: Legal Frameworks and United Nations Security Council Resolutions on CRSV | 21
n Sexual Violence as a War Crime. Acts of sexual violence may constitute war crimes if committed in the
context of, and associated with, an international or non-international armed conflict against protected persons
(i.e., civilians and persons not taking part in hostilities), and the perpetrator was aware of the factual
circumstances that established the situation as one of armed conflict. War crimes can only take place in the
context of either an armed conflict of international or non-international character.
n Sexual Violence as a Crime against Humanity. All acts of sexual violence may constitute crimes against
humanity when committed in the context of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian
population, with the perpetrator’s knowledge of the attack. Sexual violence may reach the scale of a crime
against humanity if it is part of either a government policy or a widespread practice of atrocities committed,
tolerated, or condoned by a government, de facto authority, or organized armed group. Crimes against human-
ity do not require a connection with an armed conflict and can occur both in times of peace and of war. This
is significant as sexual violence may increase during the unrest that precedes conflict, and its scale and
severity often continue post-conflict.
n Sexual Violence as an Element of Genocide. A crime constitutes genocide when a “person commits a
prohibited act with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group”.36
It is a crime against the group, which is committed through doing harm to individuals because of their
membership to a particular group and as an incremental step in the overall objective of destroying the group.
Sexual violence, when committed with these requisite special intents, can amount to an act of genocide.
1.3.1. Individual and Commander’s Responsibility for International Crimes

International law requires holding the perpetrators of international crimes personally accountable, including
military commanders and their subordinates (State or non-State), as well as civilian officials who order such
crimes. A military commander can be held responsible for crimes committed by forces under his or her effective
command and control, or for failing to properly exercise control over such forces, where:
1. The commander knew or, owing to the circumstances at the time, should have known that the forces were
committing, or about to commit such crimes; and
2. The commander failed to take all necessary and reasonable measures within his/her power to prevent
or repress their commission, or to submit the matter to the competent authorities for investigation and
prosecution.
Responsibility of the commander in the Ntaganda Case

On 8 July 2019, former Congolese rebel leader Bosco Ntaganda, was convicted on 18 counts of war crimes
and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court.37 The crimes were committed in Ituri province,
eastern DRC, between 2002-2003. The charges included murder and attempted murder, rape, sexual slavery,
attacking civilians, pillaging, displacement of civilians, attacking protected objects, and recruiting and using
children. On 7 November 2019, Ntaganda was sentenced to a total of 30 years imprisonment. The case marked
the first time the International Criminal Court convicted a commander for sexual violence offences committed
by his troops, and the first time the Court has convicted someone for sexual slavery. If upheld on appeal, the
case could become the first final conviction at the International Criminal Court for crimes of sexual violence,
including against men and against other members of the same group.
36 See A/HRC/39/64 (24 August 2018). The prohibited acts are killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to
members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its destruction in whole or in part;
imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; and forcibly transferring children of the group to another group. Sexual
violence may fall under several of these prohibited acts.
37 For more information about the Ntaganda case, see: https://www.icc-cpi.int/drc/ntaganda
1.4. CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE AS CRIMES UNDER DOMESTIC LAW
States bear the primary responsibility to respect, protect, and fulfil the human rights of all persons within their
territory and subject to their jurisdiction as provided for by international law. The rights to life and physical integrity
are guaranteed under almost all national constitutions around the world and are protected by respective national
criminal law as well. National criminal law provisions often prohibit acts of rape and other sexual offences,
among other serious offences. Further, upon ratification and, where applicable, international conventions and
treaties become part of national legislation, allowing national courts to adjudicate should their provisions be
violated. In other cases, international treaties must be translated into domestic law before they can be invoked
by national courts.38 Additionally, the laws of many countries provide for the discipline of military personnel by
establishing a system of military justice for both criminal and disciplinary offences, including sexual offences.
CRSV under Domestic Law in DRC and Iraq

The DRC has a “monist” legal system and thereby can apply the Rome Statute directly in its domestic law
without requiring a separate implementing legislation. The DRC has therefore been able to try perpetrators of
CRSV for war crimes and crimes against humanity by directly invoking the provisions of the Statute as a part
of its domestic law.
In Iraq, at the time of writing, rape and other forms of sexual violence are not prosecuted as war crimes, crimes
against humanity, or genocide because, these crimes are not included in its Criminal Code, despite Iraq been
a party to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the
Crime of Genocide. A new statutory law translating these international treaties needs to be enacted for national
courts be able to invoke them. CRSV crimes can however be prosecuted in domestic courts as crimes of rape,
kidnapping, and trafficking in persons for sexual exploitation or violence as these are criminalized as ordinary
criminal offenses in Iraq. Nonetheless, the current national legislation on sexual violence crimes is not yet fully
in line with international standards.
SECTION 2: THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ON CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE

The United Nations Security Council has adopted 10 UNSCRs on Women, Peace and Security.39 These UNSCRs
highlight the link between sexual violence, gender equality, and the restoration of peace and security. In addition
to the Mission-specific mandate resolutions, the WPS resolutions guide the work of United Nations Field Missions
to promote a gender perspective and women’s participation in all efforts to both prevent and resolve conflict and
rebuild from conflict.40
UNSCR 1325 (2000) was a historic milestone in recognizing the differentiated and disproportionate impact of
conflict on women and girls and the need for women’s meaningful participation in efforts to achieve sustainable
peace. It affirmed the importance of ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into all peace and security
efforts, including during the negotiation of peace agreements, planning of refugee camps, peacekeeping opera-
tions, and reconstructing war-torn societies for sustainable peace.
38 For more information on the monist and dualist approaches to the implementation of international law see: OHCHR, Human Rights and
Constitution Making (2018), available at: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/PublicationsResources/Pages/SpecialIssues.aspx
39 UNSCR1325 (2000); 1820 (2009); 1888 (2009); 1889 (2010); 1960 (2010); 2106 (2013); 2122 (2013); 2242 (2015); 2467 (2019), and 2493
(2019).
40 The full texts of the UNSCRs on WPS are available at: https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/un_documents_type/security-coun-
cil-resolutions/?ctype=Women%252C%2520Peace%2520and%2520Security&cbtype=women-peace-and-security
UN Photo/Bajornas
The Security Council debates sexual violence in conflict in New York.
UNSCR 1820 (2008) recognized that sexual violence can both significantly exacerbate situations of armed conflict
and impede the restoration of international peace and security, and that coercive measures such as sanctions can
be considered against parties who commit rape and other forms of sexual violence in situations of armed conflict.
In line with UNSCR 1820, a stand-alone criterion for sexual violence was adopted in several sanction regimes,
including for the DRC, CAR and Mali.
UNSCR 1888 (2009) demanded that peacekeeping mandates contain provisions on the prevention of and response
to CRSV and called for more systematic reporting to the Security Council. It established the mandate of dedicated
WPAs within peacekeeping missions. The Security Council requested the appointment of a Special Representa-
tive on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC) to, among other things, increase coordination and cooperation
between all relevant stakeholders. UNSCR 1888 further created the mandate of the Team of Experts on the Rule
of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict (TOE) to assist national authorities in strengthening the rule of law with the
intent of ensuring criminal accountability for perpetrators of CRSV (see Chapter Three for more information on the
institutional architecture dedicated to CRSV).
UNSCR 1889 (2009) was adopted to strengthen elements of the previously adopted WPS resolutions. It specifically
focused on post-conflict peacebuilding and called for the development of indicators to measure the implementation
of UNSCR 1325 both within the United Nations system and by Member States.
UNSCR 1960 (2010) reiterated the need for all State and non-State parties to conflict to comply with their obligations
under applicable international law, including the prohibition of all forms of sexual violence. It stressed the need for
civilian and military leaders to demonstrate commitment to preventing sexual violence, combating impunity, and
enforcing accountability. The resolution requested the Secretary-General to include a list of parties to the conflict,
who are credibly suspected of being responsible for CRSV, in the Annual Report on Sexual Violence in Conflict,
and to track and monitor implementation of commitments to end CRSV by parties to armed conflict. UNSCR
1960 created the Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Arrangements (known as the “MARA”) to provide a United
Nations-wide information gathering and analysis mechanism on CRSV.
UNSCR 2106 (2013) recognized that
sexual violence in armed conflict and
post-conflict situations disproportion-
ately affects women and girls, while
also affecting men and boys and those
secondarily traumatized as forced wit-
nesses of sexual violence against family
members. It reiterates demands from
previous resolutions such as including
CRSV in all peace efforts and calls on all
actors to increase efforts to end CRSV
UNAMID/Almahady
and combat impunity.
UNSCR 2242 (2015) recognized that

sexual and gender-based violence is
part of the strategic objectives and ide-
Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and African Union
ologies of certain terrorist groups and Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Smail Chergui, conducting a joint visit
used as a tactic of terrorism. to North Darfur, Sudan.
UNSCR 2331 (2016) recognized that human trafficking, including for the purpose of sexual slavery, can exacerbate
conflict and foster insecurity and instability. It stresses again that sexual and gender-based violence during armed
conflict and post-conflict situations can be used as a tactic by violent extremist or terrorist groups. It affirmed that
victims/survivors of trafficking and sexual violence should be classified as victims/survivors of terrorism.
UNSCR 2467 (2019) explicitly recognized the need for a survivor-centred approach in preventing and respond-
ing to CRSV. It acknowledges structural gender inequality and discrimination as root causes of sexual violence.
Highlighting that the response to victims/survivors should be multidimensional, it calls for effective justice and
accountability, including the provision of reparations for survivors as well as livelihood support for their families,
including children born of sexual violence. The resolution also requested the Secretary-General to ensure the timely
deployment of WPAs to offices of United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinators in all relevant situations
of concern to advise senior leadership on the implementation of the operational provisions of resolutions on CRSV.
UNSCR 2493 (2019) recognized that States bear the primary responsibility to respect and ensure the human rights
of all persons within their territory and subject to their jurisdiction as provided for by international law and reaffirms
that parties to armed conflict bear the primary responsibility to ensure the protection of civilians.
UN Photo/Felipe
Under-Secretary-General for
Political and Peacebuilding Affairs,
Rosemary DiCarlo, briefing the
Security Council on detainees
and missing persons in Syria.
3
CHAPTER 3:
Operational and Coordination
Frameworks to Address
This chapter provides an overview of the operational frame-
n United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC –
work to implement the CRSV mandate of United Nations Field
Policy on United Nations Field Missions: Preventing
and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Missions, highlighting that preventing and responding to CRSV
Violence (2020). is a Mission-wide responsibility. It introduces the functions of
the Senior Women’s Protection Advisers (SWPA) and Women’s
n United Nations DPO – Policy on the Protection of
Protection Advisers (WPAs) as a central piece of the CRSV
Civilians in United Nations Peacekeeping (2019).
architecture and outlines the intersections of the CRSV mandate
n United Nations DPKO/DFS/DPA – Policy on Child with other mandates of Field Missions including political,
Protection in United Nations Peace Operations justice, and specialized protection mandates. It presents
(2017). standard coordination mechanisms with external actors and
n United Nations DPO – Handbook on the Protection dedicated entities in United Nations Headquarters.
of Civilians in Peacekeeping (2020).
GOALS
n United Nations DPO – Manual on Child Protection
in United Nations Peace Operations (2019). To understand the architecture supporting the implementation
of the CRSV mandate in Mission areas. Understand that pre-
n United Nations DPO – Handbook on Gender Equality
venting and responding to CRSV is a shared responsibility
and Women, Peace and Security Resource Pack
(2019). between all components of United Nations Field Missions and
external partners. Understand which coordination mechanisms
n United Nations OHCHR/DPO/DPPA/DFS – Human can be used to develop integrated strategies and plans to
Rights in United Nations Peace Operations and
address CRSV.
Political Missions (2011).
SECTION 1: ARCHITECTURE TO ADDRESS CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE

IN FIELD MISSIONS
Coordination between the civilian, military, and police components of United Nations Field Missions is critical to
successfully implement the CRSV mandate. The United Nations Secretary-General has called on the United Nations
System to emphasize its work on prevention by utilizing the full range of available capabilities and mechanisms to
ensure a more holistic preventive approach. The leadership of Field Missions must work in close cooperation to
strengthen collaboration and coordination between the Mission pillars in order to prevent and respond to CRSV
in a coherent and holistic manner.41 The United Nations CRSV Policy institutionalizes the integrated approach in
Field Missions to end CRSV and defines the distinct and complementary roles, activities, and responsibilities of
the Mission leadership and the civilian, military, and police components to end CRSV. Each of the components
and sections support the implementation of the CRSV mandate with their respective and specific capacities and
should work together to complement each other to implement the CRSV mandate, as described in Part II of this
Handbook.
41 United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy on “United Nations Field Missions: Preventing and Responding to Conflict-
Related Sexual Violence” (2020), para. 21.
26 | Chapter 3: Operational and Coordination Frameworks to Address CRSV

The Security Council has specifically called for the
deployment of WPAs, particularly at a senior level, to
ensure the implementation of the CRSV mandate. SWPAs
and WPAs (S/WPAs) are dedicated staff with specific
CRSV expertise and therefore constitute a central part
AMISOM /Ahmed
of the United Nations architecture to address CRSV at
field level. Within the limits of their level of responsibil-
ity, S/WPAs support United Nations Field Missions in
preventing and responding to CRSV. The specific roles
and responsibilities of S/WPAs are introduced below and The SWPA of UNSOM speaks during a workshop on the prevention
of CRSV for military and police officers of the African Union Mission
further elaborated in Part II of this Handbook. in Somalia, in Mogadishu.
Role and responsibilities of Senior/Women’s Protection Advisors

i. Advising senior Mission leadership — including SRSG/HOMs (Heads of Mission), Deputy SRSGs, Force
Commanders and Heads of United Nations Police (UNPOL) components, section chiefs, Heads of Field Offices,
military and police Sector/Regional Commanders, and focal points on the implementation and mainstreaming
of the CRSV mandate; on relevant CRSV issues and actions to be taken; and regularly reviewing progress,
with particular attention to the Mission’s overall work, including mediation and national reconciliation efforts.
ii. Providing overall substantive guidance and coordination across all relevant Mission components on
CRSV prevention and response.
iii. Chairing the Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Arrangements (MARA) Working Group at the
technical level and supporting senior Mission leadership in chairing the Working Group at the strategic level.
Fulfilling reporting obligations under the Security Council mandated MARA, including in reports to Head-
quarters (HQ); relevant sections of Secretary-General’s country reports; and the Secretary-General’s Annual
Report on CRSV.
v. Engaging in dialogue with parties to conflict on the signing and implementation of commitments to halt
and prevent CRSV, in line with Security Council resolutions, and in coordination with the OSRSG-SVC and
other relevant Mission components; supporting parties to conflict in the implementation of commitments
to address CRSV, and regularly reviewing progress with parties to conflict and the United Nations system.
vi. Acting as an entry point to and focal point for the Mission to other United Nations and non-United
Nations actors and coordination mechanisms working on CRSV issues that are relevant to United Nations
Field Missions, building on the complementarity of respective roles and mandates.
vii. Promoting local ownership and prevention strategies on CRSV through advocacy, sensitization,
capacity building, and training activities at community level.
viii. Advocating with host-state governments, parties to the conflict, diplomatic and donor communities,
regional and international organizations, including through the release of public advocacy reports on CRSV
and participating in relevant bilateral and multilateral forums.
42 With the adoption of UNSCR 1888, the Security Council decided to include specific provisions, as appropriate, for the protection of
women and children from rape and other sexual violence in the mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations. While the title
“(Senior) Women’s Protection Advisor” may suggest otherwise, the SWPA and WPA function does not only address CRSV against
women. While women and girls are disproportionately affected and the primary targets of CRSV, boys and men may also be targeted
systematically and become victims/survivors of CRSV. SWPAs and WPAs work on the prevention and response to CRSV against all
victims/survivors, irrespective of their sex. For further information, see UNSCR 1888.
43 In this handbook, the term “S/WPA” is used to refer to the functions of both the Senior Women’s Protection Advisor (SWPA) and
Women’s Protection Advisors (WPA). The terms “SWPA” or “WPA” are used to refer distinctively to the responsibilities of one or the other.
Chapter 3: Operational and Coordination Frameworks to Address CRSV | 27

In 2015, the United Nations Secretary-General consolidated specialized protection functions of CRSV and Child
Protection into the Human Rights components of United Nations Field Missions.44 The intended aim of the con-
solidation of specialized protection functions was to enhance coherence and the collective impact of protection
responses by United Nations Peace Operations.
The Consolidation of WPA Functions

and its Implementation in Practice
The Human Rights component includes a thematic “CRSV Unit” comprised of dedicated specialized exper-
tise on CRSV. The Unit is headed by the SWPA who guides the CRSV-specific work of the Human Rights
component. The SWPA retains any prior distinct budget lines, where applicable, a dedicated team, and direct
access to the Mission leadership.
If WPAs are not present, the Human Rights component appoints CRSV focal points to ensure implementation
of the mandate.
The Head of the Human Rights component oversees the implementation of the CRSV mandate by the SWPA.
In missions without an SWPA, the Human Rights component leads on CRSV work, in coordination with other
Mission components.
References in this handbook to SWPAs, CRSV lead, WPAs, and CRSV focal points in Human Rights compo-
nents should be read considering these arrangements.
In Field Missions where there is no SWPA and no Human Rights component,45 the SRSG/HOM/most senior
United Nations official may designate a CRSV lead, in coordination with OSRSG-SVC, OHCHR, and DPPA or
DPO, to support work to mainstream CRSV prevention and response throughout all functions and substantive
areas of the Mission’s work.
Lastly, as addressing CRSV is a whole-of-Mission responsibility, civilian, military, and police components in
Field Missions should all have dedicated focal points on CRSV. In the case of military and police components,
they have dedicated functions on CRSV, namely the Force Gender and Protection Advisor and UNPOL Gender
Advisor and CRSV focal points (official titles may vary in each Mission). Focal points ensure CRSV mainstreaming
in coordination with S/WPAs (see Chapter Five for more information).
SECTION 2: RELATED PROTECTION FRAMEWORKS AND MANDATES

The CRSV mandate is cross-cutting and intersects with other mandated tasks of United Nations Field Missions,
such as the support to peace processes and the promotion of the rule of law. The CRSV mandate also intersects
with the other protection mandates of Field Missions, namely, the protection of civilians, the promotion and
protection of human rights, and child protection mandates. The different protection mandates should be imple-
mented in an aligned, complementary, and mutually reinforcing manner.
44 This decision was based on the recommendations made by the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (HIPPO) report,
available at: https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/2015/446. This decision was formalized in the Secretary General’s
report on “The future of United Nations peace operations: implementation of the recommendations of the High-level Independent
Panel on Peace Operations” (2015), para. 66, available at: https://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/2015/682.
45 At the time of writing, Field Missions where there is no SWPA and no Human Rights component include, for example, the Office of
the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar, the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, the
United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, and the Office of
the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Burundi.

2.1. THE PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS MANDATE
The Protection of Civilians (POC) mandate in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations is defined as:
“without prejudice to the primary responsibility of the host State, integrated and coordinated activities by
all civilian and uniformed Mission components to prevent, deter or respond to threats of physical violence
against civilians within the Mission’s capabilities and areas of deployment through the use of all necessary
means, up to and including deadly force”.
United Nations DPO Policy on the Protection of Civilians in United Nations Peacekeeping (2019)
Meaningful integration of the WPS agenda, including the CRSV mandate, is a guiding principle of the United
Nations Policy on the Protection of Civilians in United Nations Peacekeeping (hereinafter referred to as United
Nations POC Policy). The POC Policy notes that POC must be undertaken with a gender perspective which
reflects the intersectionality between gender and protection, and which considers gender-based differences in
status and power and how they shape both the immediate protection needs and long-term interests of women
and men, girls and boys. This includes how gender inequality and discrimination impact threats to civilians and
how participation and empowerment can address those threats.46
Senior POC advisors and POC focal points work closely with the S/WPAs, the Human Rights component, the Gender
Unit and other civilian sections, as well as military and police components at all levels in order to include gender-
sensitive outcomes and CRSV concerns in all areas of POC work (see Chapter Five for more information).
Moreover, CRSV is closely linked to the broader POC agenda of the Security Council aiming to minimize civilian
harm in armed-conflict settings, including the risk of sexual violence against women, men, girls, and boys. CRSV
is systematically included in the Secretary General’s Report on POC and in informal briefings to the Informal
Expert Group on POC.
MONUSCO/Liechti
MONUSCO peacekeepers
patrol and secure the town
of Pinga in North Kivu, DRC,
after the withdrawal
of an armed group.
46 United Nations DPO Policy on “The Protection of Civilians in United Nations Peacekeeping” (2019), para. 38.

2.2. THE HUMAN RIGHTS MANDATE
The Human Rights mandate in United Nations Field Missions aims to contribute to the protection and
promotion of all human rights, including the right not to be subjected to acts of CRSV.47
Human Rights components lead Field Missions’ investigations, monitoring, and reporting of CRSV, oversee the
implementation of the CRSV mandate and mainstream CRSV into other core areas of their work. This includes
capacity building; advocacy directed towards State authorities, conflict parties and civil society, including on
access to justice and effective criminal investigations, transitional justice, effective remedies and reparations
for victims; the protection of victims and witnesses; and risk assessments conducted in the framework of the
Human Rights Due Diligence Policy on United Nations Support to Non-United Nations Security Forces.48 Human
rights violations and abuses are an underlying root cause of conflict and improving respect for human rights is
vital to preventing conflict and, ultimately, to protecting the population.
2.3. THE CHILD PROTECTION MANDATE
The Child Protection mandate promotes the protection of children from grave violations against their
rights during armed conflicts, including sexual violence. A significant percentage of CRSV victims/survivors
are children, mainly girls. Boys are also targeted, including during recruitment and use and while associated
with armed forces or armed groups. The Child Protection mandate is founded in UNSRC on Children and
Armed Conflict and the United Nations Policy on Child Protection (2017).49
A girl at the Mother

and Child Health Center
in Mogadishu, Somalia,
during a visit by SRSG-SVC
Zainab Bangura in 2013.
UN Photo/Jones
47 The specific mandated activities of the Human Rights component are derived from the respective UNSCR establishing the United
Nations Field Mission.
48 United Nations Human Rights Due Diligence Policy on United Nations Support to Non-United Nations Security Forces: Guidance Note
and Text of the Policy (2015). Available at: https://unsdg.un.org/resources/guidance-note-human-rights-due-diligence-policy-un-sup-
port-non-united-nations-security
49 For further information about Children and Armed Conflict and the six grave violations, see: https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/
six-grave-violations/

The Security Council has operationalized the United Nations-led Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM)
on grave violations against children in situations of armed conflict, and mandates United Nations Field Missions
to monitor and report on the six grave violations, including sexual violence against children.50 This information is
used to foster the accountability and compliance of parties to conﬂict with international child protection standards
and norms, and lead to advocacy and responses to protect and care for children.51 At the country level, the MRM
is implemented through the United Nations-led Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting, co-chaired by
UNICEF and the SRSG of the United Nations Field Mission.
Child protection concerns must be reflected in other reporting processes by United Nations Field Missions,
including the MARA. Close cooperation, coordination, and exchange of information between S/WPAs, Child
Protection Advisors (CPAs), Human Rights Officers, and POC Advisors shall be routine to ensure harmonized
and coherent reporting of cases and patterns of sexual violence in conflict affecting children.52
SECTION 3: DEVELOPMENT AND HUMANITARIAN COORDINATION MECHANISMS

In Mission settings, entities of the United Nations system that carry out operational activities for development,
emergency, recovery, and transition constitute the UNCT.53 Several members of the UNCT operating at the field
level have a protection mandate related to CRSV issues. These include the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Office for the Coordination
of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), UN Women, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT),54 under the leadership of the Humanitarian Coordinator, manages multi-
sectoral humanitarian initiatives at the country level, establishes humanitarian related Protection Clusters, platforms,
and working groups and develops referral arrangements for victim/survivor assistance. In order to enhance
predictability, accountability, and partnership, the HCT uses the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Cluster
Approach, which serves as the main functional coordination mechanisms of the humanitarian community at the
operational level. Clusters are groups of humanitarian organizations that are organized around specific sectors to
ensure a coherent approach to prevent gaps in humanitarian response, including protection. When addressing
CRSV, United Nations Field Missions will most likely interact with the Protection Cluster and the GBV sub-Cluster
(sometimes known as GBV Working Group).55
50 With UNSCR 1612 (2005), the Security Council designated sexual violence committed against children as a critical priority and called
on all parties to armed conflict to prepare and implement action plans to address the violation. Sexual violence is also a trigger for
inclusion on the list of the Secretary-General of parties to conflict committing grave violations against children in armed conflict. For
more information, UNSCR 1612 is available at: https://www.un.org/ruleoflaw/files/SecurityCouncilResolution1612_en.pdf
51 For more information, see the Guidelines Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms on Grave Violations Against Children in Situations
of Armed Conflict (2014). Available at: https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/MRM_Guidelines_-_5_
June_20141.pdf
52 See “Chapter Seven: Monitoring, Analysing and Reporting on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” for further information on monitoring
and reporting of CRSV against children.
53 For more information on United Nations Country Teams, see: https://undg.org/leadership/un-country-teams
54 The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) is a strategic and operational decision-making and oversight forum established and led by the
Humanitarian Coordinator. It is responsible for agreeing on common strategic issues related to humanitarian action. For more informa-
tion, see: https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/cameroon/humanitarian-country-team-hct
55 For further information about the Cluster Approach, please see OCHA’s Humanitarian Response website: https://www.humanitari-
anresponse.info/en/about-clusters/what-is-the-cluster-approach. There are 11 Global Clusters. At the operational level, Clusters are
activated according to need. The Global Cluster can be merged, or further sub divided to address specific needs. The Cluster system
in specific countries and related information can be found at http://www.humanitarianresponse.info. Guidance on the interaction
between the Protection Cluster and United Nations Peacekeeping Operations is available at: http://www.globalprotectioncluster.org/
tools-and-guidance/protection-cluster-coordination-toolbox/

The Protection Cluster and GBV sub-Cluster
The Protection Cluster and the GBV sub-Cluster both aim to ensure that their members meet protection
needs of affected populations through timely and coordinated action. The Clusters are meant to serve as
robust coordination mechanisms, striving for effective information management between Cluster members,
government counterparts, and donors. With this approach, the Clusters enable timely and effective needs
assessments, planning, prioritization, implementation, reporting, and evaluation, while also enabling analy-
sis of information on the situation and needs of affected populations.56
Activities of the Protection Cluster and the GBV sub-Cluster depend on the context. For the implementation of
the CRSV mandate by United Nations Field Missions, the Clusters both represent a source of information and a
platform for coordinated work with humanitarian counterparts (please see Chapter Seven for more information).
None of the mechanisms or entities that address CRSV operates in a vacuum. The measures are most effective
at maintaining or restoring international peace and security, promoting and protecting human rights, and ensur-
ing accountability for violations of international law when applied as part of a comprehensive strategy. In order
to identify complementarity activities and areas for coordination and cooperation, it is critical to understand
their mandates and roles. The UNCT members and the Clusters are a source of extensive knowledge about the
host country, the conflict situation and CRSV, and can help to identify and build relationships with key national
partners such as national and local authorities, as well as local civil society groups.
SECTION 4: COORDINATION AND SUPPORT TO CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS

United Nations Field Missions should operate in close collaboration with CSOs when addressing CRSV, including
with victims/survivors’ advocate groups. A coordinated approach with CSOs and local communities ensures that
the best interests of victims/survivors is at the centre of the work of United Nations Field Missions and in line
with the survivor-centred approach. It also ensures voices of victims/survivors are heard and support is provided
throughout prevention and response efforts. Local or community-based organizations may be best suited to
understand the concerns of victims/survivors’ in specific contexts and propose adequate protection solutions.
Protection actors and service providers ensuring access to physical, psychosocial, legal, and socio-economic
assistance for victims/survivors have a greater impact when they work in close coordination and must aim to cre-
ate a seamless support system for victims/survivors of CRSV.57 The examples below illustrate the importance of
coordinating and engaging with CSOs to address CRSV. Notably, many CSOs participate in the GBV sub-Cluster,
which represents another opportunity for coordination.
56 The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines for Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Settings (“GBV
Guidelines”) were developed as a resource to establish standards—across all areas of humanitarian response—related to prevention
of and response to sexual and other forms of gender-based violence, particularly in the early stages of an emergency. Endorsed
by United Nations agencies and international NGOs, these GBV Guidelines are an essential tool for enabling and empowering all
humanitarian actors to promote the protection and well-being of affected populations. The GBV Guidelines are available at: https://
interagencystandingcommittee.org/gender-and-humanitarian-action-0/documents-public/iasc-guidelines-gender-based-violence-5.
57 OHCHR – Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence: Lessons Learned (2018). Available at: https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/
Women/WRGS/ReportLessonsLearned.pdf. For more details on the victim/survivor-centred approach, also refer to “Chapter One:
Background Knowledge – Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Mandate” (Section 2) of
this Handbook.

UNMISS
UNMISS celebrates the launch of the Global 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence. National women-led NGOs show-
cased their activities on GBV prevention and response at various stalls at UN House.
Coordination of the Task Force on International Criminal Justice in South Kivu, DRC
The Task Force on International Criminal Justice is a joint initiative led by MONUSCO’s Prosecution
Support Cell in coordination with the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office, UNCT, NGOs and CSOs to
support the investigation and prosecution of international crimes in DRC, including CRSV. The Task Force
was alerted to a series of abductions and rapes of at least 37 children in the town of Kavumu, located in the
South Kivu province, between 2013 and 2016. The Task Force provided protection to victims/survivors and
their families and coordinated a judicial strategy to bring the case forward to military judicial authorities for
prosecution, with the support of the TOE.
The civilian, military, and police components of MONUSCO jointly implemented protection measures in
Kavumu village in coordination with the UNCT, NGOs, and civil society. This included preventive patrols to deter
acts of intimidation and threat against the community and judicial protection measures for victims/survivors
who had filed a complaint. CSOs and the UNCT provided direct and coordinated assistance to the victims/
survivors and their families, as well as raised awareness of the crimes in the local and international press.
Following advocacy and technical support provided by the Kavumu Task Force and the TOE, the Government
of the DRC investigated the crimes and prosecuted the case as a matter of priority for the South Kivu province.
In December 2017, Frederic Batumike, a sitting member of Parliament, and members of his militia were found
guilty of crimes against humanity by rape and murder and convicted accordingly. The Kavumu Task Force
advocated on behalf of the victims/survivors until the conviction was upheld on appeal in July 2018.
Moreover, coordination continued following the judgement to ensure protection of victims/survivors, their
families, and other witnesses; a sub-group of the Task Force was also formed to ensure socio-economic
integration of victims/survivors.

SECTION 5: COORDINATION WITH UNITED NATIONS ENTITIES AT HEADQUARTERS
Several United Nations entities and frameworks oper-
ating at Headquarters levels contribute to the mandate
to prevent and respond to CRSV. The entities and
networks listed below are key counterparts for Field
Missions when addressing CRSV:
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General on

Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC) is appointed by
the Security Council and provides strategic leadership
UN Photo/Felipe
and political direction to the CRSV mandate. The SRSG-
SVC serves as the United Nations’ spokesperson and
high-level advocate on CRSV. The SRSG-SVC chairs
the United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in SRSG-SVC Pramila Patten addresses the Security Council on sexual
Conflict (UN Action). violence in conflict in April 2019 before the adoption of Resolution
2467 (2019).
The United Nations Team of Experts on the Rule of Law
and Sexual Violence in Conflict (TOE) assists national authorities in strengthening the rule of law with the aim
of ensuring criminal accountability for perpetrators of CRSV. It has a unique “co-lead” structure that includes
members from DPO, OHCHR, and UNDP. To carry out its mandate, the TOE works in close coordination with
United Nations field presences, as well as relevant national, regional, and international actors.
DPO, DPPA, and OHCHR closely collaborate and support Field Missions in coordination with the SRSG-SVC.
These entities have backstopping responsibilities on CRSV and provide Field Missions with technical and operational
support, in line with their respective mandates.
United Nations Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict (UN Action) currently includes 14 United Nations entities
as members58 and represents a concerted effort by the United Nations system to “work as one” to end CRSV by
amplifying advocacy, improving coordination and accountability, supporting country efforts to prevent CRSV, and
responding effectively to the needs of victims/survivors. UN Action provides a platform for knowledge generation
with the goals of deepening the understanding of CRSV and the needs of victims/survivors, and developing
guidance on emerging issues of concern.
Additional entities and mechanisms contribute to global efforts on the prevention and response to CRSV, including
Security Council sanctions regimes, Human Rights Mechanisms (e.g. Treaty bodies,59 Special Procedures of the
Human Rights Council, and the Universal Periodic Review), Commissions of Inquiry (whether mandated by the
Security Council, Human Rights Council, or General Assembly) and accountability mechanisms. In some instances,
the International Criminal Court is also active.
58 Current member entities include United Nations Department of Peacebuilding and Political Affairs (DPPA), United Nations Entity for
Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP), Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Department of Peace Operations (DPO), United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), World Health Organization
(WHO), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme
(WFP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the SRSG-CAAC (Children in Armed Conflict). More information is available
at: https://www.un.org/sexualviolenceinconflict/about-us/un-action
59 The treaty bodies are committees of independent experts responsible to monitor the implementation by States parties of the international
human rights treaty of their responsibility. There are ten treaty bodies. Some of them include the Committee on the Elimination of
Discrimination against Women (CEDAW); Committee on the Rights of the Child; Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights;
and the Committee against Torture. For more information see: https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/TB/TB_booklet_en.pdf

4
CHAPTER 4:
The Survivor-Centred Approach
and Referral Pathways
This chapter provides an overview of the survivor-
n United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy – United
Nations Field Missions: Preventing and Responding to Conflict- centred approach that should be upheld by all per-
Related Sexual Violence (2020). sonnel in United Nations Field Missions. It presents
the standard services that constitute a holistic and
n OHCHR – Integrating a Gender Perspective into Human Rights
Investigations: Guidance and Practice (2018). multi-sectoral response to victims/survivors, including
medical, psychosocial, socio-economic, and legal
n OHCHR – Workshop Report – Protection of victims of sexual
assistance, and explains the GBV referral pathways.
violence: Lessons learned (2019).
n Global Protection Cluster – Handbook for Coordinating Gender-
GOALS
based Violence Interventions in Emergencies (2019).
To understand how to implement a survivor-centred
n Gender-BasedViolence Sub-Cluster–Standard Operating Procedures
approach and support access to services for victims/
for Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response (2018).
survivors through the referral systems in Mission areas.
n UNHCR – SGBV Prevention and Response Training Package (2016).
SECTION 1: THE SURVIVOR-CENTRED APPROACH AND HOLISTIC RESPONSES
1.1. THE SURVIVOR-CENTRED APPROACH

An elderly woman reports to
As mentioned in Chapter One of this Handbook, “do no harm” MONUSCO the attack and mass rapes
perpetrated by armed combatants in
and a “survivor-centred approach” are the cornerstone and her village in South Kivu, DRC
crosscutting principles that should guide United Nations
Mission personnel’s work on CRSV, along with confidentiality,
informed consent, and gender-sensitivity.60 This means that
victims/survivors of CRSV should be at the centre of all pre-
ventative efforts and responses designed by Field Missions,
such as physical protection, monitoring and reporting, inter-
ventions related to fighting impunity for CRSV, and referrals.
It means respecting their rights, needs, and choices, at all
times, as well as not exposing them to further physical and
psychological harm and stigma. Ultimately, implementing a
survivor-centred approach implies the recognition that these
guiding principles are interdependent and mutually reinforcing.
They should be applied simultaneously in all interactions of
Silvestre
Mission personnel with victims/survivors.
60 For further guidance, please refer to the United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy on “United Nations Field Missions:
Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” (2020), Section D1 Guiding Principles.
Chapter 4: The Survivor-Centred Approach and Referral Pathways | 35

Recommendations for applying a survivor-centred approach
Treating victims/survivors with respect, Discriminating victims/survivors based on their sex, gender,
dignity, and equally, without discrimination ethnicity, religious belief, etc, and applying victim-blaming
attitudes
Carrying out interventions in a gender-
sensitive manner Having a ‘one-size fits all’ approach that does not consider the
different experiences of women, men, girls, and boys
Respecting victims/survivors as distinct
Instead of
individuals and their informed choices Making assumptions about what is best for victims/survivors
and telling them how or what to do
Ensuring privacy and confidentiality
Disclosing victim’s/survivor’s personal information without their
informed consent, which can contribute to causing further harm
Providing clear and full information to
victims/survivors to allow informed choices,
including individual risk assessments Withholding complete information from victims/survivors, raising
false expectations, and hindering their ability to decide on their
access to multi-sectoral services or participation in judicial
proceedings
Adapted from UNFPA, The Inter-Agency Minimum Standards for GBV in Emergencies Programming, 2019. 61
1.2. HOLISTIC RESPONSES

A survivor-centred approach also implies promoting holistic responses to CRSV. Holistic responses include the
establishment of referral systems (See Section 2, below) to connect CRSV victims/survivors to appropriate, quality,
multi-sectoral services in a timely, safe, and confidential manner; referring victims/survivors to those services; as
well as securing funding or advocating for the creation of such services. Multi-sectoral GBV services are available
to victims/survivors of GBV, including CRSV.
The availability of multi-sectoral victim/survivor-centred services will vary according to the context but usually
include the following:
n Medical services such as immediate medical care (i.e., clinical management of rape) as well as long-term
treatment and medication, including sexual and reproductive health care. In all cases of sexual violence,
access to immediate (within 72 hours) medical attention is critical, in order to ensure the timely administra-
tion of a PEP kit62 to victims/survivors of CRSV. Lifesaving health services and psychosocial interventions
are considered as first priorities.
n Psychosocial services comprising different forms of psychotherapy and other activities that connect
victims/survivors to activities focused on healing, empowerment, and recovery, such as ‘women and girls
only’ safe spaces.
61 The Inter-Agency Minimum Standards for Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies Programming are available at: https://www.unfpa.org/
sites/default/files/pub-pdf/19-200_Minimun_Standards_Report_ENGLISH-Nov.FINAL_.pdf. Also see the “Checklist on guiding principles
for a victim-centred approach - Project Tool 102”, UNPOL Gender Toolkit, Compendium of Project Tools (2015), available at: http://repository.
un.org/bitstream/handle/11176/387374/United%20Nations%20Police%20Gender%20Toolkit%20Compendium%20of%20Project%
20Tools.pdf?sequence=55&isAllowed=y
62 PEP is a short-term anti-retroviral treatment that reduces the likelihood of HIV infection after exposure to HIV-infected blood or sexual
contact with an HIV-positive person. It is recommended that PEP be taken after a possible exposure to HIV, including incidents of
sexual violence where the HIV/AIDS status of the perpetrator is unknown. PEP drugs should be administered within 24 hours, and
no later than 72 hours. The effectiveness of the drugs reduces with the amount of time which lapses between exposure and ingestion.
For more information about PEP kits, refer to https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/system/files/rta_fact_sheet_-_post-sexual_
violence_kits.pdf
36 | Chapter 4: The Survivor-Centred Approach and Referral Pathways

n Socio-economic and livelihood support,
which promotes access to, and control over,
economic resources; this can be an effective
means to enhance resilience and recovery.
n Legal services, which comprise legal aid
and legal accompaniment services to promote
the right of victims/survivors to access justice
and support their meaningful and safe partici-
pation in judicial and quasi-judicial processes.
Ensuring the provision of services to CRSV victims/
survivors is the primary responsibility of the host
State, in line with their international human rights
obligations.63 The role and responsibility of the HCT
is to provide coherent and coordinated assistance
delivery to victims/survivors, including the establish-
ment of referral systems following, among others,
a rights-based and survivor-centred approach.64
SECTION 2: REFERRAL PATHWAYS AND

RESPONSIBILITIES OF UNITED NATIONS
FIELD MISSIONS PERSONNEL
Silvestre
2.1. REFERRAL PATHWAYS FOR VICTIMS/SUR-
VIVORS
CRSV has multiple and long-term consequences on the lives of girls and
In order to facilitate the timely and smooth access to adolescents including unwanted pregnancies and the interruption of
the full range of multi-sectoral services, “referral sys- their education. Access to sexual and reproductive healthcare is however
tems” or “pathways” are established in Mission areas. extremely limited in rural areas of the DRC.
United Nations Field Missions personnel should understand and be aware of existing referral systems in their area
of responsibility. This will allow them to share clear and complete information about available services with victims/
survivors and communities, and ultimately, upon informed consent, refer them directly to those services (see below
Section 2.2.).
Referral systems are in place to connect CRSV victims/survivors to multi-sectoral services and thereby support
victims/survivors’ health, healing processes, and empowerment. Referral systems link protection actors and stake-
holders such as the host State, United Nations Field Missions, United Nations Agencies, NGOs, governmental
organizations, civil society, and others.
According to the Inter-Agency Minimum Standards for Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies Programming,
a referral pathway is a flexible mechanism that safely links survivors to multi-sectoral services such as health,
psychosocial support, case management, safety/security, justice, and legal aid. Referral pathways coordinate
service delivery and support victims/survivors’ timely, safe, and confidential access to services.
Inter-Agency Minimum Standards for Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies Programming (UNFPA, 2019).
63 UNSCR 2467 encourages Member States to adopt a survivor-centred approach in preventing and responding to sexual violence in
conflict and post-conflict situations. UNSCR 2467 (2019) is available at: https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-
6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s_res_2467.pdf
64 For more information, see “The Inter-Agency Minimum Standards for Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies Programming” (2019).
Available at: https://www.unfpa.org/minimum-standards

In Gao, Mali, a woman
learns how to read and
write during a literacy
MINUSMA/Dicko
class organized by a local
NGO in the context of
a Quick Impact Project
supported by MINUSMA.
Multi-sectoral services for victims/survivors

Representation of a standard referral pathway
SAFETY/SECURITY PSYCHO-SOCIAL*
VICTIM/SURVIVOR
and COMMUNITY
LEGAL/JUSTICE HEALTH
*Includes social reintegration and livelihood initiatives

Illustration adapted from UN Women, The multi-sectoral model, 2013.66
65 For more detailed information and examples, see the GBV Sub-Cluster Standard Operating Procedures for Gender-Based Violence
Prevention and Response. Available at: https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/gbv_sc_sops_2018_english_final.pdf
66 The original version of the multi-sectoral model is available at: https://www.endvawnow.org/en/articles/1503-the-multi-sectoral-model.html

Referral systems may operate at national, regional, and community levels. Establishing a referral system is the task
of coordination mechanisms established within the framework of the UNCT, such as the GBV Working Group or
GBV sub-Cluster. In conflict and post-conflict Mission areas, UNFPA generally leads the establishment of referral
systems for victims/survivors of CRSV and United Nations Field Missions are encouraged to support these efforts.
A standardized referral pathway is presented in the diagram above, which highlights the links between victims/sur-
vivors and multi-sectoral services. The referral pathway will vary according to context, the availability of services,
as well as national and international protection actors present in the Mission area. Referral systems must respect
the survivor-centred approach, recognizing that victims/survivors may choose not to access available services.
Good practice: One-Stop Centres

One-stop centres offer multiple services to victims/survivors of CRSV free of charge and thereby promote
access to a holistic response. This is beneficial for victims/survivors as all services can be accessed in one
location, lowering the burden to seek assistance at multiple locations and offering an easy and safe transition
between services. One-stop centres ensure maximum confidentiality and minimize re-traumatization of the
victims/survivors, as they do not have to repeat their accounts of the incident separately to each service provider.
In Mali, the UNCT and MINUSMA have provided support to the government to establish holistic service
responses for victims/survivors of CRSV. The United Nations signed SOPs on the provision of all GBV/CRSV
services with the Ministries of Security; Justice; Health; Women, Child, and Family Advancement; and Social
Development. This enabled the establishment of One-Stop Centres in Bamako and Mopti, which are run by
national staff trained in case management and clinical management of rape. Through further coordination with
donors, at least two one-stop centres will be established in each region in Mali.
In El Fasher, Darfur,
UNAMID commemorates the
International Day of Peace
through an art exhibition,
UNAMID
musical performances and

other cultural activities.

2.2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF UNITED NATIONS FIELD MISSIONS PERSONNEL
United Nations Field Missions personnel may come into direct contact with victims/survivors, regardless of their
roles, and act as first responders to CRSV cases. They therefore represent an important link in the response chain
and should be aware of existing referral systems in their area of responsibility.
Training on CRSV for civilian, military, and police components should include a module on referral of victims/
survivors to service providers, on interacting with victims/survivors, and on applying a survivor-centred approach.
All components should understand how referral systems function and which services are available to refer victims/
survivors effectively and in a timely manner (subject to informed consent). They should also help to disseminate
information about available services among the host-State population.
S/WPAs should ensure that information about existing service providers and referral pathways is available and
current (including contact numbers, locations, and hours of operation for each service). This information should be
shared across Mission components to ensure prompt referrals at the tactical and operational levels. Moreover, in
many areas, multi-sectoral services are not available or accessible and Mission personnel, in coordination with the
SWPA, should conduct advocacy to the UNCT, humanitarian actors, and GBV sub-Clusters for service provision,
including to support the deployment of mobile clinics.
The S/WPAs and CRSV focal points in Human Rights and other components are encouraged to participate in the
GBV sub-Sector or sub-Clusters67 to collect maps that specify the available GBV services and to share information
MONUSCO/Ali
In North Kivu, DRC, a team of MONUSCO female peacekeepers partners with a local women organization to provide hygiene, medical and
nutritional care to the local population.
67 For further information on coordination with humanitarian actors and Clusters, please refer to “Chapter Three: Operational and Coordination
Frameworks to Address Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” of this Handbook.

about CRSV incidents and trends in an anonymised manner. S/WPAs should identify services providers who are
not part of the GBV sub-Cluster and standard referral pathways. When conducting monitoring and investigation
work, WPAs and Human Rights Officers should always have immediate access to information about existing
referral pathways.68 They should report areas where services are unavailable, or inappropriately delivered, with the
aim of strengthening national and humanitarian service provision.
United Nations Field Mission personnel should provide immediate or direct assistance to victims/survivors in cases
of emergency or in areas where there is limited or no humanitarian access or presence.69 Medical evacuation,
medical assistance, or other first aid services to victims/survivors should be provided in coordination with the
S/WPAs and partners providing GBV multi-sectoral services.
68 OHCHR, Integrating a Gender Perspective into Human Rights Investigations: Guidance and Practice (2018). Available at: https://www.ohchr.
org/Documents/Issues/Women/Publications/GenderIntegrationintoHRInvestigations.pdf
69 According to the United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy on “United Nations Field Missions: Preventing and Responding
to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” (2020), the military component, with the advice of S/WPAs and in consultation with humanitarian
actors, may provide medical assistance – including MEDEVAC – and other support to CRSV victims/survivors.

Part II: Main Areas of Work and Functions
to Prevent and Respond to
A female peacekeeper interacts

with the population while
patrolling Timbuktu, Mali, to secure
the city threatened by terrorist
attacks and high criminality rates.
MINUSMA
42 | Chapter 5: CRSV Advising and Mainstreaming

5
CHAPTER 5:
Advising and Mainstreaming
This chapter provides guidance on how to improve under-
standing of the CRSV mandate of United Nations Field Missions
Policy on United Nations Field Missions: Preventing
and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and foster Mission-wide implementation through dedicated
(2020). advisory functions and mainstreaming. It presents how S/WPAs
and CRSV focal points provide advice and share expertise
• United Nations DPKO – Policy Directive on Gender
with civilian, military, and police components to ensure CRSV
Equality in Peacekeeping Operations (2006).
is addressed at strategic, operational and tactical levels, and
• United Nations DPKO – Guidelines for Integrating across all areas of work. The chapter also presents integrated
Gender Perspectives into the Work of United Nations and coordinated approaches to mainstream and institutionalize
Police in Peacekeeping Missions (2008).
CRSV into Mission processes and practices.
• United Nations DEPT/DPO – Specialized Training
Materials on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence GOALS
(2017).
To understand advising and mainstreaming as core functions
• OHCHR – Manual on Human Rights Monitoring to implementing comprehensive strategies for United Nations
(2011). Field Missions to prevent and respond to CRSV.
SECTION 1: ADVISING ON CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE
1.1. THE ADVISORY ROLE OF SENIOR/WOMEN’S PROTECTION ADVISORS

S/WPAs are responsible for advising senior Mission leadership and Mission components on the implementation
of the CRSV mandate, on mainstreaming it across Mission activities, and on specific actions to be taken to address
CRSV issues.70 S/WPAs provide specific and tailored guidance to civilian and uniformed components.
S/WPAs raise awareness of CRSV among Mission personnel and provide advice on addressing CRSV in their
work, including by:
(1) Providing policy and strategic guidance to the SRSG/HOM and Heads of military and police components
at Headquarters level, and tactical and operational recommendations to Heads of Office and military and
police Sector/Regional Commanders.
(2) Providing regular contributions to Mission policy documents and strategies on how to enhance the
prevention and response to CRSV, including strategic documents such as the Mission concept and the
integrated strategic framework.
(3) Providing technical and operational advice in internal meetings, based on CRSV analysis and early
warning indicators, such as in POC coordination meetings.
70 United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy on “United Nations Field Missions: Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related
Sexual Violence” (2020), para. 21 outlines the responsibilities of S/WPAs.
Chapter 5: CRSV Advising and Mainstreaming | 43

(4) Providing guidance through bilateral communications with CRSV focal points by building strong relation-
ships with them.
(5) Encouraging all sections and Mission components to sensitize their national counterparts and partners on
the CRSV mandate and to advocate the integration of CRSV in key national strategic documents such as
SSR, DDR programmes, justice reform, etc.
S/WPAs should understand the organizational structure of the civilian and uniformed components and the range
of actions and responses that these components can take to address CRSV in accordance with the Mission man-
date and roles and responsibilities at Mission HQ, Field Office, and the Sector levels.71 To ensure that advice and
recommendations are adapted to capabilities and resources of Mission components, S/WPAs should continuously
coordinate their work with civilian, military, and police CRSV focal points (see following sections).
Example of advice by S/WPAs to the

military component to address CRSV:
n Advocating on key messages pertaining to ending CRSV with the host-State authorities, host military
counterparts, local communities, and non-State actors;
n Conducting gender-sensitive monitoring of alleged perpetrators, groups in vulnerable situations, and
hotspot areas to identify CRSV early-warning indicators;
n Recording and sharing information on allegations and alerts of CRSV cases with WPAs or CRSV focal
points in Human Rights components;
n Planning and executing military operations that integrate CRSV considerations, such as mitigation mea-
sures for civilians or additions to Operational Orders;
n Conducting joint operational planning to rapidly deploy personnel and patrols based on CRSV hotspots
and early warning;
n Conducting physical domination of vulnerable areas with static and mobile elements; and
n Facilitating access for and supporting the deployment of national police, investigators, and judicial authori-
ties in order to investigate and prosecute CRSV incidents.
1.2. THE ADVISORY ROLES OF DEDICATED PERSONNEL WITHIN MILITARY AND POLICE COMPONENTS
1.2.1. The Advisory Role of the Military Gender and Protection Advisor and Focal Points
All United Nations Peacekeeping Operations are required to appoint a Military Gender and Protection Advisor
(MGPA) at Force Headquarters (FHQ).72 The MGPA advises the Force Commander and FHQ branches on the
prevention and response to CRSV and acts as a bridge between the military, civilian, and police components. The
MGPA is expected to work in close coordination with the S/WPAs and other personnel working on CRSV, such as
UNPOL Gender Advisor and Gender focal points, CPAs, as well as Gender and POC Advisors.
71 For further information and guidance on this, a list of functions and responsibilities within the military component is included in Annex 1 of
this Handbook.
72 In Missions, MGPA may also be referred to as “Force Gender and Protection Advisor”. This is the standard title but may vary depending
on each Mission. United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy on “United Nations Field Missions: Preventing and Responding to
Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” (2020), para. 42.

Schneider
Following a joint training on CRSV, Child Protection, and Gender, the military Focal Points and WPAs of MONUSCO unite symbolically to stand
against CRSV in Goma, DRC.
The MGPA at FHQ is responsible for the design and maintenance of the Military Gender Action Plan, which describes
the intended outcomes of planned military activities. In all missions with a POC mandate, the military component is
required to appoint Military Gender and Protection Focal Points covering CRSV at the Sector levels. It is expected
from Units that this structure be replicated at Battalion and Company levels. The Focal Points should have the
necessary rank and function within the component that empowers them to have the necessary impact on decision-
making.73 The MGPA at FHQ advises the Military Gender and Protection Focal Points at the Sector and Unit levels
and is their point of contact in FHQ for all issues on CRSV.
Sector level Military Gender and Protection Focal Points send monthly reports to the MGPA at FHQ and are expected
to work in close coordination with WPAs and UNPOL Gender Focal Points at the field office level. Their reports
should be shared with the SWPA at the FHQ/Mission Headquarters level and WPAs at the Sector/Field office levels.
The Military Gender and Protection Focal Points in military Units must be trained on CRSV prevention and response
by the MGPA at FHQ or by the Sector Military Gender and Protection Focal Point to ensure they include a CRSV
perspective in all Unit activities. Military Units should include the participation of women in weekly security meetings
with the host population as well as in early warning mechanisms and POC working groups that may be organized
by the Force in the area of deployment.74 They must know how to respond to victims/survivors of CRSV and how to
73 In Missions, these Focal Points may be referred to as “Military CRSV Focal Points”. CRSV Focal Points in the military component can
co-function as focal points for other protection related matters such as SGBV, human rights, and child protection. In some settings, a
different staff member will be appointed to undertake those duties. Similar to the FHQ MGPA, Sector and Unit Military CRSV Focal Points
act as the Sector/Battalion/Company Commander’s bridge between the civilian and police personnel working on CRSV, Child Protection,
POC, Human Rights, and Gender at the Sector/field office level.
74 In some peacekeeping operations, Community Liaison Assistants (CLAs, Civil Affairs staff members) are deployed to the field together with
the Force, functioning as a bridge between the Force and the local population. In such cases, the CLA should be included in security
meetings and early warning/protection working groups that engage the local population. The CLA should also be included in the
establishment and coordination of Community Alert Networks.

report incidents; why and how they must conduct patrols and other activities that will prevent and protect civilians
from CRSV and other human rights violations; and provide Monthly Gender and Protection Reports to the MGPA
at FHQ, either directly or through their Sector level Military Gender and Protection Focal Point.
MGPAs at FHQ or Sector level Military Gender and Protection Focal Points are responsible for training the Unit
Gender and Protection Focal Points, who should instruct on the practical steps necessary to mainstream CRSV
concerns into the nine functional areas of military Units.75 The MGPAs should engage with S/WPAs and civilian
sections to seek technical support on CRSV mandate implementation, as needed.
1.2.2. The Advisory Role of the Police Gender Advisor and Focal Points
The UNPOL Gender Advisor at Mission Headquarters contributes to planning and implementing strategies,
policies, and activities for fulfilling the WPS mandate under the guidance and supervision of the Head of Police
component. As part of these responsibilities, the UNPOL Gender Advisor is expected to address SGBV, including
preventing and responding to CRSV, in close collaboration with the S/WPAs and other relevant Mission compo-
nents.76 The UNPOL Gender Advisor conducts needs assessments and research on gender and CRSV relating to
UNPOL staff and work practices, as well as on gender and CRSV-related issues within the host State.77
UNPOL Gender Focal Points should be nominated at the Sector level and have the necessary rank and function
within the component to ensure they have the necessary input and impact on decision-making.78 Sector UNPOL
MONUSCO/NOUKO
The MONUSCO police component
conducts a training of trainers course
on GBV and CRSV in Kinshasa, DRC.
75 U1/G1 – Personnel and Administration Branch / Welfare, U2/G2 – Military Information and Intelligence, U3/G3 – Current Operations, U4/G4 –
Logistics, U5/G5 – Future Plans and Policy, U6/G6 – Communications, U7/G7 – Training, U8/G8 – Budgets, U9/G9 – Civil–Military Coop-
eration (CIMIC). A description of these staff branches is included in Annex 2 of this Handbook.
Related Sexual Violence” (2020), para. 42. Also see the United Nations Guidelines on “Police Command in United Nations Peacekeeping
Operations and Special Political Missions” (2015), para 86.
77 Gender-related issues within the host-State include domestic and intimate partner violence, SGBV, human trafficking, child abuse, pre-trial
detention, as well as the status of female military and police officers.
78 In missions, these focal points may be referred to as “UNPOL CRSV Focal Points” or “UNPOL SGBV Focal Points”. CRSV focal points in
the police component can co-function as focal points for other protection related matters such as SGBV, human rights and child
protection. In some settings, a different staff member will be appointed to undertake those duties.

Gender Focal Points contribute to planning and implementing activities for fulfilling the CRSV mandate, under
the guidance of the UNPOL Sector Commander or Team Leader at team sites, and with the technical guidance of
the UNPOL Gender Advisor in Headquarters. This includes providing advice to the Commanding Officer on the
implementation of the United Nations CRSV Policy; raising awareness and building the capacity of UNPOL officers
on CRSV to enhance operational effectiveness; and, where mandated, assisting the host-State police with
implementing reform measures related to CRSV prevention and response. The Sector UNPOL Gender Focal Point
should monitor and support the integration of gender perspectives in all police activities including gender-sensitive
reporting and integrate the UNPOL Gender Action Plan into the work plans and activities of the section/unit/region/
team site.
1.2.3. Information sharing and coordination on conflict-related sexual violence

Where an incident of sexual violence is encountered by military and police personnel, immediate reporting is re-
quired to the Sector Military Gender and Protection Focal Point and the UNPOL Sector Gender Focal Point through
the chain of command. In addition, information must be shared immediately with WPAs or CRSV focal points in the
Human Rights component in order to enable immediate follow up, including medical responses.
It is important that the civilian, military, and police components work together at strategic, tactical, and operational
levels and share information to ensure the most complete understanding of the protection needs of civilians to
prevent and respond to CRSV. It is appropriate for civilian, military, and police components to exchange reports
on CRSV. Sensitive information that may lead to the identification of victims/survivors, witnesses, and other
sources of information should only be shared with the Human Rights component and be filtered out when sharing
alerts with other components. When S/WPAs seek to request additional reporting by the Force and UNPOL, or the
dissemination of information within the Force and UNPOL, this should be coordinated through the Military Gender
and Protection Advisor and the UNPOL Gender Advisor at Headquarters level as well as their respective Focal
Points at Sector level. WPAs may interact directly on these matters with their military and police counterparts at
the Sector level.
SECTION 2: MISSION-WIDE CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE MAINSTREAMING
2.1. DEFINITION AND PURPOSE OF MAINSTREAMING
CRSV mainstreaming is the process of spreading awareness on CRSV and ensuring the systematic imple-
mentation of the mandate of Field Missions to prevent and respond to CRSV at the strategic, tactical, and
operations levels, and across all functions. CRSV mainstreaming aims to spread knowledge and respect of
guiding principles on CRSV by all Mission personnel.79
The purpose of mainstreaming is to ensure a consistent understanding of the CRSV mandate across United Nations
Field Missions and for all Mission components to work together to ensure its implementation. Mainstreaming
should be conducted with a Mission-wide approach and by incorporating CRSV issues across Mission strategies,
decision-making processes, practices, and operational responses.
79 For further information on guiding principles and do no harm, see “Chapter One: Background Knowledge – Conceptual Foundation and
Evolution of the Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Mandate” and “Chapter Four: Survivor-Centred Approach and Referral Pathways” of
this Handbook.

Examples of documents and processes
where CRSV should be mainstreamed:
n Mission strategies; n Mission POC strategy;
n Conflict and political analyses; n Military and Police component Concept
n Planning and review processes; of Operations (CONOPS);
n Integrated strategic plan (for integrated n Operations Orders (OPORD);
Field Missions); n Guidance notes and Standard Operating
n Mission concept; Procedures (SOPs);
n Policies and directives (including joint n Risk assessments prepared under the Human
policies with the UNCT); Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP); and
n Mediation strategies; n Civilian substantive sections’ work plans.
This list is indicative but not exhaustive, and CRSV should be mainstreamed within all relevant
Mission documents.
2.2. MAINSTREAMING RESPONSIBILITIES WITHIN UNITED NATIONS FIELD MISSIONS
2.2.1. Mission Leadership and Senior Women’s Protection Advisors
The SRSG/HOM has overall responsibility for the implementation of the CRSV mandate in United Nations Field
Missions and is required to promote a Mission-wide approach to CRSV, with the advice of the SWPA where they
are deployed. The CRSV mandate should be considered a political priority of United Nations Field Missions.80
The Deputy SRSG(s), Force Commanders, Head of Police components, and Heads of Offices are responsible for
supporting effective mainstreaming of CRSV by their respective components in a coordinated and collaborative
way. The SWPA is responsible for developing a CRSV mainstreaming strategy and coordinating its implementation.
The SWPA of MONUSCO presents the

Mission’s comprehensive approach to CRSV prevention
and response in the DRC during the commemoration
Silvestre
of the 10-Year Anniversary of the establishment of the

mandate on sexual violence in conflict in New York.
80 In line with the United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy on “United Nations Field Missions: Preventing and Responding
to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” (2020).

2.2.2. Mainstreaming in the Civilian Component
The objectives of preventing and responding to CRSV should be mainstreamed throughout all functions and
substantive areas that sections of the civilian component of Field Missions engage in. Under the leadership of
Heads of sections, and in coordination with the Heads of Field Offices, substantive civilian sections must integrate
CRSV concerns in their conflict and political analysis, internal workplans and activities, reports and other outputs
in collaboration with S/WPAs. Sections must designate CRSV focal points and ensure that staff have been trained
on CRSV (see below).
The roles and responsibilities on CRSV of the substantive sections of the civilian component are detailed in the
CRSV Policy.
2.2.3. Mainstreaming in the Military and Police Components

In Peacekeeping Operations, the Heads of military and police components are responsible for ensuring that their
components integrate CRSV into analysis, planning, and conduct of activities and operations. CRSV prevention and
response should also be prioritized by lower-level commanders. Command responsibility on CRSV mainstreaming
should be established, including setting priorities, sensitizing police and military personnel, and implementing
CRSV prevention and response measures. Mainstreaming should be done through close liaison with the S/WPAs.
Protecting civilians against CRSV is a fundamental responsibility of uniformed components and should be main-
streamed in all activities. They must proactively prevent incidents, deter perpetrators, protect civilians, and respond
to potential, impending and ongoing CRSV threats. Military and police commanders need to develop creative and
practical approaches to protect women, men, and children from CRSV as per the Mission-specific operational
environment.
It is essential that directives, operational orders, guidance, planning processes, operational coordination, and
training materials for uniformed components explicitly state the requirements of addressing CRSV.
2.2.4. Engagement Platoons and Female Peacekeepers as Tools for Mainstreaming

Engagement teams/platoons have the specific mandate to engage with the host population and parties to conflict,
including on CRSV. They are an effective way to mainstream CRSV into the military component’s operations and
bear positive results in preventing and responding to CRSV. Engagement platoons improve situational awareness
and ensure that violations of human rights and international law are recognized and reported, which, in turn,
contributes to the protection of civilians. Engagement with the host government, parties to the conflict, and other
armed groups can further help improve the relationship between the Force and the local community, as well as
prevent and deter CRSV and other human rights abuses. These teams also support the effective collection of
information from the local population and help identify the unique needs and risks of women, men, girls, and boys.
Engagement includes appropriate coordination with other United Nations entities, NGOs, as well as with S/WPAs
and other Mission personnel.
Representation of female military and police peacekeepers in engagement teams and frontline duties can bolster
community engagement efforts, particularly with local women and children, and enhances operational effectiveness.
The benefits and utility of female peacekeepers is unquestionable. For instance, in patriarchal societies where there
is restricted access to contact with local women, female peacekeepers have a comparative advantage in interacting
with the local population and working in female-only spaces within communities. This increases information
gathering, including for early-warning indicators, community engagement, and protection.

Mixed and Female Engagement Teams in DRC and CAR
In DRC, the MONUSCO Force launched Mixed Engagement Teams (composed of both female and male
military peacekeepers) to support wider community engagement and increase situational awareness. The mixed
engagement teams are created to serve as a tactical tool for Commanders and take part in Standing Combat
Deployments, operations and patrols.
In CAR, the MINUSCA Force regularly deploys Female and Mixed Engagement Teams on patrols and operations
to enhance community engagement and conduct interaction with the population, especially women and girls. It
has significantly improved the trust of the population towards the Mission, enhanced situational awareness includ-
ing information gathering on CRSV, and set a visible sign for the empowerment of women and gender equality.
2.3. APPROACHES FOR MAINSTREAMING

CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE
2.3.1. Mission Leadership and the Comprehensive
Performance Assessment System
The SRSG/HOM and Mission leadership team ensure
that preventing and responding to CRSV is a strategic
and operational priority at every stage of the Mission’s
life cycle. A strategic approach to CRSV implies trans-
UN Photo/MONUSCO
lating the implementation of the CRSV mandate into a
realistic plan for the Mission and, therefore, integrating
CRSV into all gender-sensitive conflict and political
analysis and planning and review processes.81 In
Peacekeeping Operations, this should include main-
streaming into the Mission’s Comprehensive Perfor- South African female combat troops in MONUSCO on robust foot and
mance Assessment System (CPAS).82 mobile patrols in North Kivu, DRC.
CRSV objectives and considerations should be included when conducting the CPAS context mapping and when
developing Mission-wide objectives and indicators as part of the Mission Result Framework. Ensuring that CRSV
priorities are reflected in the Mission’s framework will help determine and define “CRSV success” and will help set
realistic objectives that apply across the Mission. All relevant Mission components will then be expected to develop
their work plans and objectives to make progress towards these goals. Those objectives should be integrated into
all relevant Mission strategic documents and planning processes, in line with United Nations Policy on Integrated
Assessment and Planning.83
2.3.2. Network of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Focal Points

In line with the United Nations CRSV Policy, each Mission component and the relevant sections within them must
appoint a CRSV focal point.84 The focal points are expected to address CRSV in their respective areas of work in
81 According the to the United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy on “United Nations Field Missions: Preventing and
Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” (2020), mission planning and review processes should ensure that all United Nations
Field Missions with a Mission-specific Security Council mandate on CRSV shall have core capacity of a S/WPA supported by dedicated
WPAs as laid out by the relevant UNSCRs.
82 All peacekeeping operations are due to adopt the Comprehensive Performance Assessment System (CPAS) by July 2020. CPAS is a
comprehensive, results-based planning and performance assessment tool to help Mission leadership grapple with complex mandates
and rapidly changing political landscapes and country contexts. It helps Missions to focus their operational plans on the most important
priority of a Mission, as articulated by the SRSG, and tracks a Mission’s performance and impact against those objectives. It helps
Mission leadership to better manage and assess their operations and provides concrete data and analysis to make evidence-based
decisions and more effectively tell the story of the Mission and the difference it is making.
83 For further information, please refer to the United Nations Policy on Integrated Assessment and Planning (2013), available at: https://
undg.org/document/un-policy-on-integrated-assessment-and-planning/

order to ensure that CRSV is mainstreamed throughout all functions and substantive areas in which the Mission
engages. Focal points should be appointed within military and police components, as well as within relevant civilian
sections. The designated focal points work closely with the S/WPAs and serve as an entry point between the
S/WPAs and their component or section, and advocate CRSV issues internally.
Within the military component, the main CRSV focal point is the MGPA at Force Headquarters. CRSV military focal
points are also appointed at the Sector, Battalion, Company and Unit levels, as well as at Military Observers Team
Sites. Within the police component, the main CRSV focal point is the UNPOL Gender Advisor in Headquarters, and
focal points are appointed at the Sector level.85 Uniformed focal points at the Sector level are to form a network
working closely with the MGPA and UNPOL Gender Advisor at Mission Headquarters.
The designation of focal points requires an agreement with the leadership of the relevant component or section and
clear terms of reference. There should be regular communication between the S/WPAs and the designated focal
points, which have to work alongside WPAs and other designated focal points in the Mission (including POC
Advisors, CPAs, Human Rights Officers, Gender Advisors, etc.). Reporting lines vis-à-vis the S/WPAs should be
addressed in the terms of reference to allow for direct and timely information sharing, especially regarding CRSV
alerts.
UN Photo/Strunk
Personnel from six Field Missions participate in a training of trainers course on how missions can help prevent CRSV and respond effectively.
Joint analysis and advocacy by MONUSCO to prevent CRSV committed by the Congolese National Police
In MONUSCO, UNPOL has appointed CRSV focal points at Headquarter and Sector levels to coordinate all
CRSV activities of the police component and contribute to the MARA Working Group.85 S/WPAs share information
with these focal points during MARA Working Group meetings and bilaterally on main patterns of CRSV perpe-
trated by the Congolese National Police elements. S/WPAs advise UNPOL on concrete actions to strengthen
prevention of CRSV committed by the Congolese National Police. As a result, priority actions are agreed to
ensure that UNPOL takes specific measures to support the Congolese National Police to prevent and address
sexual-violence cases. Furthermore, S/WPAs and the UNPOL CRSV focal points organize joint meetings with
Congolese National Police interlocutors using common advocacy points.
Through these coordinated efforts, S/WPAs and UNPOL jointly supported the Congolese National Police to
develop a National Action Plan Against Sexual Violence, which was officially adopted in November 2019.
84 See United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy on “United Nations Field Missions: Preventing and Responding to Conflict-
Related Sexual Violence” (2020), p. 25. These include but are not limited to the military and police components, as well as the Civil
Affairs, DDR, Gender, HIV/AIDS, JCS, JOC, JMAC, Political Affairs, PIO, and SSR sections.
85 For further information on the MARA Working Group, see “Chapter Seven: Monitoring, Analysing and Reporting on Conflict-Related
Sexual Violence” of this Handbook.

2.3.3. Mainstreaming into Protection of Civilians Activities
Prevention and response to CRSV must be mainstreamed in all POC plans, policies, analyses, reports, early-
warning indicators and systems, trend analysis, and coordination mechanisms. This includes the Mission’s POC
documents, including the Mission Concept and Mission POC strategy. Protection tools and analysis, such as POC
threat assessments, should take into account early-warning indicators of CRSV. To do so, S/WPAs and CRSV
focal points should work in close coordination with the Mission’s Senior POC Advisors and POC focal points.
S/WPAs and CRSV focal points should moreover participate in established protection mechanisms, such as the
Senior Management Group on Protection and the Protection Working Group, to ensure that CRSV information and
analysis is considered. POC Advisors must moreover ensure that the CRSV mandate is systematically integrated
across all three tiers of the Mission’s POC initiatives and its POC strategy.86 Lastly, Mission reporting requirements,
including the Secretary-General’s country-specific reports and thematic and periodic reporting on POC, should
integrate CRSV concerns and progress being made in the implementation of the CRSV mandate.
The Senior POC Advisor supports CRSV mainstreaming in their capacity to support and advise Mission leadership
to manage the Mission’s POC activities and coordinate early-warning analysis and response, planning, reporting,
monitoring and evaluation processes, etc.
Specific Early-Warning Indicators on CRSV for POC developed by UNMISS

UNMISS has integrated specific CRSV early-warning indicators in the Mission’s Early Warning and Early
Response Working Group to enhance prevention and protection efforts. Proactive patrolling, including escort-
ing women leaving protection sites to undertake daily chores, has deterred attacks against vulnerable women
outside or en route to protection sites. CRSV early-warning indicators have moreover been mainstreamed in
planning and activities by the Force.
2.3.4. Capacity Building within United Nations Field Missions
2.3.4.1 Training for All United Nations Field Mission Personnel
All United Nations Field Mission personnel must receive training on CRSV to enable them to identify and recognize
incidents and patterns of CRSV, and to know how to react according to their respective function and responsibil-
ities. To this end, induction, specialized and integrated training to address CRSV should be provided to civilian,
military, and police personnel, as applicable. Such training and induction sessions are organized by the Integrated
Mission Training Centres (IMTC) and supported by S/WPAs and CRSV focal points.87
The S/WPAs are advised to use the United Nations Integrated and Specialized Training Materials (ISTM) on CRSV88
to train civilian and uniformed CRSV focal points on a periodic basis. The S/WPAs must ensure that training
material is harmonized across Mission Headquarters and Sector and Field Office levels. In addition to this, the
ISTM on CRSV must be adapted to the national and local contexts and to the objectives of the Mission and the
challenges it faces. The Mission-specific scenarios, strategies, and responses used for training purposes must be
reviewed jointly by the IMTC and the S/WPAs, in accordance with changes in operational scenarios. Key modules
to be covered in training include, among others:
86 The operational concept for the POC in United Nations Peace Operations is set out in the United Nations DPO Policy on the POC in
United Nations Peacekeeping (2019). In accordance with the POC Policy, protection of civilians in United Nations Peace Operations is
implemented through three tiers: Tier I: Protection through dialogue and engagement, Tier II: Provision of physical protection and Tier III:
Establishment of a protective environment. The three tiers are mutually accommodating, reinforcing and are implemented simultaneously
and strategically in accordance with the mission mandate, mission phasing and the circumstances on the ground. There is no inherent
hierarchy or sequencing between the tiers.
87 See UNSCR 1820.
88 The United Nations Specialized Training Materials are available at: https://research.un.org/en/peacekeeping-community/training/STMs/
CRSV

1) Localized contextualization of CRSV;
2) Consequences of CRSV on victims/survivors, their families, and communities;
3) “Do” and “do not” in response to incidents of CRSV;
4) Local referral pathways and mechanisms;
5) Monitoring and reporting arrangements;
6) Mission-specific early-warning indicators; and
7) Guiding principles on CRSV and the survivor-centred approach.
MINUSCA
The SWPA of MINUSCA facilitates a training on preventing and responding to CRSV to military peacekeepers in CAR.
2.3.4.2 Training to Military and Police Components

Core pre-deployment training and ISTM on CRSV packages have been developed to facilitate uniformed personnel
in Peacekeeping Missions to execute mandated tasks and mainstream CRSV issues. These materials familiarize
uniformed personnel with the concept of CRSV, clarify roles and responsibilities, and equip them with tools to pro-
actively address CRSV in their operational environment. An overview of the training material available is included
in Annex 3 of this Handbook.
In addition to pre-deployment training, in-Mission training should be provided to all uniformed personnel, including
induction training and refresher modules. These sessions should be organized by IMTC and supported by S/WPAs.
S/WPAs should periodically consult the MGPA and UNPOL Gender Advisor at Headquarters to ensure military and
police modules continue to meet operational needs.
Furthermore, the FHQ MGPA should organize and oversee the roll-out of specific “Training of Trainers” sessions for
military CRSV focal points across Sectors and Units to ensure they have the capacities and skills to mainstream
CRSV in their Sector and Units’ activities.
Military focal points trained in CRSV mainstreaming in MINUSCA

In MINUSCA, military contingents and Military Observers have nominated Military Gender focal points
(MGFP) who function as focal points for CRSV, Gender, Child Protection, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse,
and POC. This network of focal points supports the implementation of the CRSV mandate and of other
specific protection mandates through internal advising and mainstreaming. The MGFPs function as the link
between the tactical and the operational levels of the military and support military monitoring and reporting
mechanisms on protection issues. They play a key role in raising awareness amongst the troops and Military
Observers on CRSV to increase their effectiveness while performing daily tasks such as patrolling and com-
munity engagement. To ensure focal points have the necessary expertise to mainstream CRSV, the MGFP in
Force Headquarters conducts comprehensive Training of Trainers sessions on CRSV.

CA S E S T U D Y
SHABUNDA ACTION PLAN

A Mission-wide and comprehensive response to CRSV
South Kivu, DRC
In June 2018, a Human Rights investigation led by a WPA

documented attacks against several villages in Kigulube in the
Shabunda territory, South Kivu. The attacks were perpetrated
by a coalition of local armed militia known as Raia Mutomboki,
led by a leader known as “Kokodikoko”. The investigation
team identified numerous victims of human rights abuses,
Background including many women, girls and men victims of sexual violence.
The perpetrators adopted a specific modus operandi during the
attacks consisting of systematic rapes and gang rapes of villagers, including
intrusive genital searches. Most survivors received no assistance or partial assistance
because of difficulty accessing local or humanitarian care infrastructures.
The Shabunda Action Plan is a comprehensive plan launched by MONUSCO.

By bringing together civilian and uniformed components of MONUSCO, Congolese
Shabunda authorities, and United Nations and NGO partners in an unprecedented integrated
Action Plan approach, this plan, led by WPAs, successfully prioritized the protection of women
and girls, and contributed to concretely preventing and responding to CRSV in this
region in the short, medium, and long term.
Given the scale of violence and CRSV, the SWPA called for a strong mobilization of all
SWPA and actors through bilateral briefings and protection coordination mechanisms. Advocacy
Leadership was carried out to senior leadership, MONUSCO military and civilian components,
Call for United Nations agencies, Protection Cluster, GBV sub-Cluster, NGOs, and national and
Mobilization provincial authorities. The SRSG requested all MONUSCO entities to come together to
address CRSV in Shabunda.
Engagement
The SWPA engaged the Office of the Personal Representative of the Head of State who
of High-Level
quickly mobilized the national authorities’ response to mass rapes in Shabunda.
Authorities
The Force was redeployed to the area. A MONUSCO

UN Photo/MONUSCO
Joint Protection Team was deployed jointly with the Panzi

Assistance and Foundation to provide medical, psychological, and legal
Protection on assistance to more than 60 sexual-violence survivors in
the Ground Kigulube and surrounding villages in September 2018.
Risks of renewed attacks were assessed as high, thus the
Shabunda Action Plan was developed.

The Shabunda Action Plan includes a range of complementary elements including:
1. The restoration of State authority through increased presence of trained military,
police, and United Nations military peacekeepers;
Comprehensive
2. The fight against impunity through technical and logistical support to military justice;
Action Plan
3. Preventive engagement with militia commanders to end CRSV and grave violations
of child rights; and
4. Community engagement to strengthen community protection mechanisms.
The Joint Human Rights Office and the Justice Support

section of MONUSCO, UNDP, Panzi Foundation, and Trial
UN Photo/MONUSCO
International supported the opening and conduct of
Arrest and investigations by the military justice in March 2019. Only a
Trial of the few weeks later, this led to the arrest of “Kokodikoko” and
“Kokodikoko” four members of his group responsible for the mass rapes
Group Leader in Shabunda.
Thanks to the quick mobilization of different actors, the mobile courts sessions started
in September 2019 with the support of MONUSCO. In November 2019, Kokodikoko and
two militiamen were convicted to life imprisonment for war crimes and crimes against
humanity, including by sexual violence and enslavement.
Following numerous surrenders from combatants, the group was neutralized.
Development Advocacy was conducted to ensure support to local women’s organizations and the
and Stabilization transparent management of natural resources. Road construction and other development
Projects projects were proposed to ensure sustainability and stabilization of the area.
In addition to the progress with accountability, several reports indicated a significant

Key outcome
decrease of CRSV in Shabunda in 2019.
1. The prioritization of the Shabunda situation by the SRSG and ownership by the
Head of Office;
2. The integration of the Plan into the wider POC priorities and the support provided
by the MONUSCO POC Unit;
3. The integrated approach with participation of MONUSCO civilian sections, the Force,
UNPOL, United Nations agencies, and NGOs; and the triple nexus approach integrating
Key Elements actions going from peacekeeping, humanitarian emergency response, peacebuilding,
of Success and development;
4. The accurate analysis generated by the Monitoring, Analysis, Reporting Arrangements
(MARA), to inform pertinent actions by all partners;
5. The catalytic role of a field-based WPA coordinating the plan to ensure its prioritization
and continuity; and
6. The sustained focus by Mission leadership on the Shabunda situation despite multiple
crises ongoing in the country.

6
CHAPTER 6:
Advocacy, Raising Awareness,
and Capacity-Building on
This chapter presents the role and functions of United Nations
Policy on United Nations Field Missions: Pre- Field Missions in conducting advocacy to key stakeholders, raising
venting and Responding to Conflict-Related awareness, and building capacities on CRSV in the host country.
Sexual Violence (2020). It provides examples of key messages on CRSV that can be used
n United Nations – Human Rights Due Diligence
by civilian, military, and police components when interacting with
Policy on United Nations Support to Non-United national counterparts and provides guidance on how to establish an
Nations Security Forces: Guidance Note and advocacy strategy.
Text of the Policy (2015).
n United Nations DPA – Guidance for Mediators: GOALS
Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence To understand how United Nations Field Missions conduct advocacy,
in Ceasefire and Peace Agreements (2012). raise awareness and build capacities in the host State on CRSV
n OHCHR – Manual on Human Rights Monitoring to promote local ownership and prevention strategies on CRSV.
(2011).
SECTION 1: DEFINITIONS
United Nations Field Missions must work to ensure that all levels of society are aware of CRSV, condemn its
perpetration, and cease any stigmatization and ostracization of victims/survivors. To raise awareness and change
the culture surrounding CRSV in the local contexts and contribute to the prevention of CRSV, Missions will engage
in advocacy efforts, adopt adequate reporting procedures and use strategic communication and dialogue mea-
sures with parties to the conflict, national authorities, and civil society.89 While this chapter provides information on
advocacy and awareness-raising activities conducted by Field Missions, information related to engagement with
parties to conflict on CRSV to obtain commitments is available in Chapter Nine of this Handbook.
Advocacy on CRSV is the process of communicating with, and influencing, State and non-State parties to a
conflict, United Nations entities, donors, and all other stakeholders to prevent and respond to CRSV. If strategi-
cally combined with other activities to address CRSV — such as awareness raising, strategic communications,
monitoring, analysis, and negotiation — advocacy can greatly contribute to transforming the underlying systems
and social attitudes that cause CRSV and perpetuate harm on victims/survivors.
Advocacy messages on CRSV must have clear objectives and target audiences and usually require planning and
consultation with relevant partners.90 Advocacy efforts can take the form of a single meeting or a series of meetings,
confidential or public discussions, direct or indirect communication through intermediaries, written correspondence,
89 For further guidance, please refer to the United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy on “United Nations Field Missions:
Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” (2020), Section D1 Guiding Principles.
90 For further information on advocacy and intervention with national authorities, see Chapter 31 of the OHCHR Manual on Human Rights
Monitoring. Available at: https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/OHCHRIntro-12pp.pdf
56 | Chapter 6: Advocacy, Raising Awareness, and Capacity-Building on CRSV

public statements, reports, and other forms. Advocacy messages generally include three elements: a brief description
of the context, an overview of CRSV concerns, and key recommendations to address these concerns. When
broadcasting public advocacy messages, the Field Mission should consider the risks of potentially disrupting
field-based dialogue with key stakeholders and further harming victims/survivors.
Efforts to raise awareness on CRSV in the host country should aim to change attitudes, behaviours, and beliefs that
normalize CRSV. They should aim to inform the wider public, and especially victims/survivors, about the resources
available and make perpetrators aware that they are violating domestic and international laws. Field Missions
may conduct various types of activities to raise awareness on CRSV including public information campaigns,
community engagement, dialogue, and outreach activities, as well as sensitization and capacity building sessions
to State authorities, parties to conflict, and civil society.
Furthermore, Field Missions should aim to strengthen the capacities of civil society, such as human rights and
women’s organizations and community leaders. This will allow such groups to better prevent CRSV incidents from
occurring through strengthening their ability to conduct outreach and early warning activities, to monitor and
report, and to promote accountability. Field Missions also build the capacity of civil society to promote and
guarantee women’s safe participation in political processes.
SECTION 2: ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS-RAISING RESPONSIBILITIES WITHIN UNITED

NATIONS FIELD MISSIONS
2.1. THE ROLE OF MISSION LEADERSHIP AND SENIOR/WOMEN’S PROTECTION ADVISORS
Senior Mission leadership uses its good offices to address CRSV from a political perspective, engage in dialogue
and conduct advocacy with the host State and with parties to the conflict. Senior Mission leadership must advocate
CRSV to be addressed throughout all stages of mediation efforts, ceasefire, and peace and transitional justice
agreements whilst ensuring that amnesties for CRSV crimes are prohibited. Senior Mission leadership must
advocate sexual violence to be criminalized in
national penal legislation, duly prosecuted, and
for past perpetrators to be fully removed from
the security Sector as part of gender-responsive
Security Sector Reform. Advocacy for prevention
of CRSV and ending impunity for all parties to
the conflict (including non-State and non-sig-
natory parties) is crucial to foster accountability
and responsiveness. Senior Mission leadership
should also advocate that parties to conflict take
concrete commitments to prevent and address
CRSV.91 UNAMI/PIO
S/WPAs advise Mission leadership and Mission Marking of the Islamic Day of Opposing Violence Against Women in Baghdad,
components on how to conduct advocacy to Iraq in an event organized by the Al-Hakim Foundation in 2018.
address CRSV. Senior Mission leadership and
S/WPAs are responsible for engaging in dialogue and advocacy with all parties to the conflict to cease CRSV and
institute context-specific preventive measures. S/WPAs also promote local ownership and prevention strategies
on CRSV through sensitization, capacity-building, and training activities at the community level, including through
ongoing dialogue with local women’s, victim/survivor advocate, and other civil society groups. Lastly, they are
91 For details on engagement with parties to the conflict, see “Chapter Nine: Engagement for Commitments with Parties to Conflict to
End Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” of this Handbook.
Chapter 6: Advocacy, Raising Awareness, and Capacity-Building on CRSV | 57

responsible for advocating with host governments, diplomatic and donor communities, regional and international
organizations, including through the release of public advocacy reports on CRSV, and participating in relevant
bilateral and multilateral forums.
Advocacy efforts by Field Missions may be supported by the SRSG-SVC, who undertakes high-level advocacy
with all parties to armed conflict to prevent and cease all acts of sexual violence with, among others, the Security
Council, political and policy-making bodies, governments, donors, and the international media. While advocacy
may be initiated by the SRSG-SVC, all advocacy initiatives in countries in which Field Missions are present must be
coordinated with Mission leadership and the SWPA to ensure a consistent and comprehensive approach.
Strategic-level advocacy
targets may include:
n Leadership of the host State;
n Leadership of parties to conflict;
n Leadership of the host-State security forces;
n Defence, security, and police establishments;
n Legislative establishments;
n Judiciary establishments; and
n Religious, traditional, or community leaders.
The list should be adapted to each Mission setting following situational analyses and mapping.
UNMISS
Celebration of the launch of the 2019 Global 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence by UNMISS in collaboration with
national women-led NGOs.

2.2. THE ROLE OF THE CIVILIAN COMPONENT
All Mission components have the responsibility to convey coordinated and consistent messages on addressing
CRSV to their respective State and non-State interlocutors in coordination with the S/WPAs. This section provides
an overview of how the different sections of the civilian component should contribute to disseminating information
and key advocacy messages on CRSV and build the capacities of their national counterparts on CRSV.
The Human Rights component has a core mandate of promoting and protecting human rights and, through the
capacities of S/WPAs, supports Mission leadership in conducting advocacy and raising awareness on CRSV with
the host State, parties to the conflict, diplomatic and donor communities, regional and international organizations,
and others. The Human Rights component advocates with these stakeholders for the overall protection of civilians,
the protection of victims/survivors and witnesses of CRSV and other human rights violations, access to justice
and effective criminal investigations, transitional justice, effective remedies and reparations for victims/survivors
of CRSV and human rights violations. It also advocates, and supports, the conduct of risk assessments by United
Nations entities within the framework of the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy to identify risks associated with
CRSV and mitigating measures to minimize those risks.92
Field Missions should use Human Rights mechanisms to enhance advocacy with the host State on CRSV, such
as the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Universal Periodic Review, and
Special Procedures (details on these mechanisms are available in Annex 4 of this Handbook).
Collaboration and joint advocacy on CRSV with civil society in Somalia
In Somalia, the SWPA of UNSOM has integrated the participation of CSOs into all aspects of the CRSV
mandate implementation since the inception of the Somali National Action Plan on Sexual Violence in Conflict.
CSOs are key partners in the implementation of the Somali National Action Plan on Sexual Violence in Conflict
and serve as a bridge between the government and communities. They provide multi-sectoral support to
victims/survivors of sexual violence, including medical, psychosocial, and legal assistance. Several CSOs run
safe houses, which provide shelter and skills training to women and children victims/survivors.
Several awareness-raising and advocacy activities were implemented in collaboration between UNSOM and
CSOs, including activities on the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict celebrated
on 19 June. CSOs came together with the Somali Government, UNSOM, traditional leaders, and internally
displaced people (IDPs) to raise awareness of CRSV in local communities and promote the protection of and
access to assistance for victims/survivors, many of whom are IDPs.
Coordination and consultation activities between UNSOM and CSOs identified knowledge and capacity gaps
in the host population, including on human rights reporting of abuses. To address this, a civil society forum,
which included a specialized Cluster on Women and Child Rights, was established with UNSOM support to
cover all human rights issues. The Forum has been used as a platform to develop capacities of CSOs to enable
them to assist communities in reporting cases of sexual violence. The Forum also conducted advocacy efforts
on issues related to sexual violence, including survivors’ assistance, legal reform, and legal aid.
The Political Affairs/Mediation Section must reflect CRSV issues as a fundamental part of all gender-sensitive
conflict and political analysis. In situations where CRSV is credibly suspected of taking place, CRSV concerns
should be addressed during bilateral meetings with State actors and other parties to conflict, including discussions
with local authorities, armed groups, community leaders, women’s groups, and civil society actors. CRSV issues
92 United Nations Human Rights Due Diligence Policy on United Nations Support to Non-United Nations Security Forces: Guidance Note
and Text of the Policy (2015). Available at: https://unsdg.un.org/resources/guidance-note-human-rights-due-diligence-policy-un-support-
non-united-nations-security

should be addressed as part of political discussions, mediation processes, ceasefire negotiations, and peace talks
and in drafting peace agreements. This includes, for example, ensuring inclusion of language prohibiting sexual
violence in definitions of ceasefire and in security arrangements.93
The Civil Affairs Section should include CRSV sensitization messages while engaging with local and religious lead-
ers, authorities, and communities. Civil Affairs should also ensure that CRSV considerations are included in local
protection and needs assessments, local protection mechanisms, and conflict management efforts.
The role of Community Liaison Assistants for community engagement on CRSV

Community Liaison Assistants (CLAs) placed in Civil Affairs sections are a key resource for community engage-
ment in Field Missions, including on CRSV.94 Specifically conceived to play a unique role in bridging the
cultural and confidence gap between local communities and United Nations contingents deployed in the deep
field, CLAs improve the interface between communities and Field Missions across mandated tasks, because
of their knowledge of local culture, norms, and language(s). As such, they have the potential to become a
critical tool to support community engagement on CRSV. CLAs may, for instance, be a vehicle to sensitize
communities on CRSV, share information about GBV multi-sectoral services for victims/survivors, and provide
information on the Mission mandate and actions to prevent and respond to CRSV.
S/WPAs should organize specific training for CLAs, including on how to interact with victims/survivors, in full
respect of the survivor-centred approach. CLAs should share information on CRSV with S/WPAs for follow-up.
The Justice and Correction Section (JCS) should convey messages to address the impunity of CRSV throughout
its activities and engagements with national authorities. Justice components support national efforts to prosecute
alleged perpetrators of CRSV and to abolish discriminatory policies, laws, and practices that prevent women,
men, girls, and boys from enjoying their
rights. They promote the enactment of laws
and policies to provide holistic protection to
CRSV victims/survivors (before, during, and
after a legal trial). Moreover, the Justice com-
ponents can promote the equal representation
MONUSCO/Mwamba-Mubi
and meaningful participation of women in the
judiciary, prosecutorial service, and legal pro-
fessions. Justice components may support
nationally led investigations and prosecutions
pertaining to sexual violence and serious
crimes that fuel the conflict or instability. They
may support the development of a prosecuto-
rial strategy and provide direct technical and Celebration of the International Human Rights Day and seventy years of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights presided over by the national authorities
operational support to justice authorities to in Kalemie, Tanganyika Province, DRC.
support the criminal investigation, prosecution,
and trial of sexual-violence cases. Corrections components may support national prison services to detain offenders
in compliance with international human right standards, thus contributing to the physical protection of persons in
vulnerable situations.
The Security Sector Reform (SSR) Section, when supporting national SSR, ensures that oversight mechanisms
that include specific considerations of CRSV issues are established. For example, SSR sections should ensure that
93 For more information on the integration of CRSV in ceasefire and security arrangements, see “Chapter Nine: Engagement for Commitments
with Parties to the Conflict to End Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” of this Handbook.
94 CLAs are currently deployed in MONUSCO, MINUSCA, UNMISS, and MINUSMA.

former armed-group members and other persons who had direct or command responsibility for CRSV are not
integrated into reformed State security forces. SSR sections should also promote the adoption of sound arms
control measures by host-State authorities as an effective and sustainable contribution to the elimination and
prevention of CRSV.95
Integrating CRSV into SSR in CAR

In CAR, the SSR component of MINUSCA promoted the establishment of a mixed brigade of internal security
forces to prevent violence against women. It advocated for the inclusion of gender considerations as part of
the government’s national security policy and SSR strategy. In addition, the SSR component encouraged the
CAR Government to establish effective vetting mechanisms to prevent the integration of individuals respon-
sible for CRSV into the armed forces.
The Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) section performs several tasks related to CRSV and
should include advocacy messages accordingly. All DDR processes should include effective mechanisms for
providing protection from CRSV and assisting victims/survivors. The section must ensure that the negotiations
and planning phases of DDR are gender-responsive in order to mobilize the necessary resources required to
prevent CRSV and address specific needs of victims/survivors. At the same time, coordination between DDR
programmes and the justice system should be established to ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted. DDR pro-
grammes should also assist with the psychosocial and behavioural change of non-State armed groups that may
be involved in the use of CRSV.
Most importantly, men and women participating in the DDR process should be informed of their rights at the
cantonment and demobilization stages. As female combatants, supporters, dependants, and associated women
and children have often experienced sexual abuse, efficient and non-stigmatizing screening measures must be in
place to identify victims/survivors (male and female) and to provide, or refer them to, appropriate services in line
with individual needs and choices. Furthermore, considering that female ex-combatants may refrain from partici-
pating in DDR processes given security concerns and fears of sexual violence, the DDR section should advocate
specific preventive and protection measures to be put in place to ensure the inclusivity and security of processes.
For instance, to prevent new incidents, cantonment sites should have adequate infrastructure to separate women
and male ex-combatants, and latrines, washing, and kitchen facilities should be placed in open areas. Lastly, the
DDR section should support the long-term rehabilitation of ex-combatants, including through the engagement of
families, local health works, and religious leaders.
Community Violence Reduction projects and CRSV sensitization in CAR
The DDR section of MINUSCA implements Community Violence Reduction projects in five field localities
across the country and in the capital Bangui, including in locations where CRSV cases against civilian women
were perpetrated by armed groups. Part of the project focused on social cohesion and served as an entry
point to the community and ex-combatants for the DDR personnel to carry out sensitization on CRSV, including
by condemning CRSV and encouraging communities to protect CRSV victims/survivors.
In the capital Bangui, local peace and reconciliation committees organized awareness-raising activities. During
mass sensitization sessions, female members of these committees addressed various gender-related issues,
including SGBV and CRSV, and information was shared on specialized care structures for victims/survivors.

In the Mbomou prefecture, a community project supported the construction and equipment of a sewing
training centre for a local association for women victims/survivors of sexual violence. This project aims
to strengthen the resilience of the community members and restore the dignity of victims/survivors, thus
promoting their socio-economic empowerment.
The Public Information Office should include CRSV messages when conducting outreach and denouncing
incidents of serious human rights violations, including CRSV. The section undertakes targeted broadcasting of
key messages and trains national media on how to report on incidents of CRSV and SGBV while ensuring “do
no harm”.
Example of key public

messages on CRSV:
n The categorical condemnation of all forms of CRSV;
n The categorical condemnation of all forms of gender-based discrimination and GBV;
n The responsibilities of State and non-State actors under international human rights, humanitarian,
and refugee law, as well as national laws and policies protecting against CRSV;
n Recognition of government-led action to counter CRSV and the work of the Mission and the
UNCT in support of the government;
n Recognition of commitments and efforts made by State and non-State actors in addressing
CRSV, including through the signing of Joint Communiqués on CRSV with the United Nations
(see Chapter Nine);
n Assistance and remedies available to victims/survivors of CRSV and SGBV and points of contact
to access referral mechanisms; and
n Outlining the role of communities in addressing CRSV, including by:
(i) offering protection to victims/survivors;
(ii) unequivocally rejecting all prejudices and stigma affecting victims/survivors; and
(iii) calling on traditional and religious leaders to lead efforts to reintegrate victims/survivors back
into their communities and focusing attention on the perpetrators instead of victims/survivors.
The Joint Mission Analysis Centre (JMAC) and Joint Operations Centre (JOC) establish facts, conduct analysis,
and map national actors, parties to conflict, and political stakeholders. This information helps Mission leadership
and other sections to identify priority issues for which to raise awareness, develop targeted messages, and find
the right advocacy targets, including State or non-State actors who may be responsible for committing or con-
doning CRSV. Analysis of patterns and trends of violence against civilians, including CRSV, from JMAC should
also contribute to the MARA as part of the prevention and early warning systems.
Gender Advisors provide strategic advice and technical support across Missions on developing effective strategies
to mainstream gender equality and the WPS mandates. Gender Advisors conduct SGBV initiatives and support
the strengthening of women’s participation, representation, and empowerment in peace processes as an enabler
of the CRSV deliverables and Mission mandates, in close coordination with S/WPAs who lead CRSV work.95
95 For more information on the role of Gender Advisors, please refer to United Nations DPO/DFS Policy “Gender Responsive United Nations
Peacekeeping Operations” (2018) and the United Nations “Gender Resource Package for Peacekeeping Operations” (2004).

MINUSMA/Dicko
In Mali, the United Nations radio and its partner local stations
disseminate daily messages of peace and promote respect
of the human rights of all men, women, girls and boys.
2.3. THE ROLE OF THE MILITARY COMPONENT
The military component of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, especially commanders up to the Company
level, conducts advocacy to address CRSV through engagement with national security and defence forces as well
as parties to conflict. Advocacy must be consistent with Mission mandates, directives, and SOPs.
Liaison, coordination, and conduct of joint operations with State security and defence forces are avenues for
sharing information on CRSV and key advocacy messages with national counterparts. The military component
of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations may also be mandated to provide mentoring, advisory, and training
support to State security and defence forces.97
Examples of key messages that can be conveyed

by the Force to national security and defence forces:
n Categorical condemnation of all forms of CRSV by national security and defence forces;
n The host State has the primary responsibility to enforce the rule of law and maintain law and
order in the country;
Host-State security and defence forces are responsible for the safety and security of the entire
n
population;
n Encourage accountability for commission or condoning of sexual violence by national security
and defence forces to prevent future cases of CRSV; and
n Encourage proactive steps to end impunity and prosecute members of armed groups that are
involved in CRSV.
97 For more information on capacity building and provision of support to the host State, see “Chapter Nine: Engagement for Commitments
with Parties to the Conflict to End Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” of this Handbook.

Public information and perception-management efforts by the military component are significant aspects of
advocacy and must be consistent with Mission directives. These efforts should engage communities as well as
armed groups, aimed at, among others, preventing CRSV against the population. The military component, in general,
and the Military Public Information Officer, in particular, should provide necessary inputs that can be factored
into the Mission’s Public information campaigns as part of perception management (including on monitoring and
reporting of behavioural change, dissemination of key messages, etc.). Targeted outreach, engagement activities,
and advocacy with host authorities and parties to the conflict can deter and prevent them from perpetrating
CRSV. Moreover, the example set by military personnel in how they view and treat civilians, especially women,
is likely to be emulated and, as such, they should serve as a model and example of the principles for which the
United Nations stand.98
At the strategic level, when possible, the Force Commander and Deputies should liaise with key leadership of the
host-State security forces and defence establishment, within the framework of the Mission Concept.
UNAMID/Tiwari
In North Kivu, DRC, the female engagement team of the Moroccan contingent honors women leaders in the community during a meeting
organized on International Women’s Day.
2.4. THE ROLE OF THE POLICE COMPONENT

Depending on the Mission mandate, the police component of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations or Internal
Police Officers in Special Political Missions may advocate with their national counterparts to ensure the physical
protection of civilians from serious human rights violations and abuses, including CRSV, and to establish a
protective security environment. Advocacy efforts carried out by the police should be carried out in coordination
with the S/WPAs.
98 For more information on the principles of the United Nations, see Chapter One of the Charter of the United Nations. Available at https://
www.un.org/en/sections/un-charter/chapter-i/index.html

Key messages that can be conveyed
by UNPOL to national police:
n Categorical condemnation of all forms of CRSV by police personnel;
n Ensure presence of the security force to prevent or mitigate risk of CRSV, including in rural and/or
isolated areas, which are often the most affected by conflict and CRSV;
n Encourage adequate responses to CRSV by initiating investigations and supporting the fight
against impunity;
n Support effective national security Sector reform, including regarding internal oversight and
accountability mechanisms.
At the Sector level, the Police component shares information on CRSV and conveys key messages during peer-to-
peer interactions with their national police counterparts, such as during co-location in police stations and through
capacity building sessions (see Chapter Nine for more information on capacity building of host State). UNPOL
also conducts engagement with women, youth, and vulnerable groups through community-oriented policing
programmes during which information on alert sharing mechanisms is provided.
At the strategic level, the Head of the Police component and Deputies engage at the political level with the different
ministries and heads of the Police and Gendarmerie, with the support of S/WPAs.
SECTION 3: ROADMAP OF AN ADVOCACY STRATEGY
Preparing advocacy messages
CRSV issues are complex and have multiple root causes. CRSV advocacy messages should
therefore be based on gender-sensitive situational analyses that help to understand the contextual
dynamics and identify the key issues to be addressed.
When preparing effective advocacy messages, the following steps should be taken:
1. Clearly identify the objectives of advocacy efforts. Who needs to be engaged and what needs to be changed?
2. Identify the target audience. Can the parties we are engaging with tackle the problem?
Firstly, identify and target those who have the power to make necessary changes. Secondly, target those with
influence over the first target audience. Establish a list of potential interlocutors including State and non-State
actors at the national and local levels. For example, on matters related to the issuance of command orders to
stop CRSV, the leadership of parties to conflict with the authority to issue such orders needs to be targeted. On
issues relating to combating impunity, the Ministry of Justice should be engaged; on Security Sector Reform,
the Ministries of Defence and Interior should be engaged; on multi-sectoral assistance for victims/survivors,
the Ministry of Health should be engaged; etc.
3. Coordinating interventions. What other partners can you work with to build momentum and support around
this objective?
Who can you work with at local, national, or international levels to build support for your messages and avoid
duplication? How can you further the reach of your messages to other parties, interlocutors, and Mission
components that have an interest or expertise on a specific topic? Ensure a comprehensive and coordinated
approach based on resources, respective mandates, and capacities. Work with local or national women’s

Preparing advocacy messages
(continued)
groups and CSOs and national and international NGOs to help them to broaden their reach and build
national capacities. Push for synergies, enhanced information-sharing, and joint analysis with an aim to elevate
discussions to a strategic level.
Messages to concerned parties must be harmonized and consistent, therefore, Mission leadership should
ensure that all communications efforts are coordinated when engaging with parties to conflict for the purpose
of securing commitments (See Chapter Nine). The MARA Working Group can serve as a platform to coordinate
advocacy initiatives on CRSV among Mission components and UNCT (see Chapter Seven).
4. Designing key messages. Key messages should include three elements:

(i) A brief description of the context; (ii) gender-responsive identification of key CRSV concerns; and (iii) main
recommendations to address these concerns. Analysis is key to effective messages and JMAC, JOC, and the
Political Affairs section can provide information to identify the priority issues to raise.
5. Planning meetings. Who are you meeting?

Do they have the decision-making power to change the situation and help you to reach your objectives? What
are their current, context-specific interests, concerns, positions, needs, motivations, and bottom lines? How
do they view the United Nations, the Field mission and the CRSV mandate? What differentiated reasons do
your interlocutors have to collaborate with you (reputational risk, risk of individual sanctions, accountability,
acknowledgement of international obligations)?
6. Evaluate the outcome and ensure follow up.

Was the advocacy effort successful in achieving its objective? How did the outcome of the meeting contribute
to your overall strategy? Have links with targeted interlocutors been strengthened or undermined? Do your
political, advocacy, or engagement strategies need to be updated? What next steps should be taken?
Note: it is important to be specific about commitments made during any meetings. All commitments should
be executed as soon as possible, including those that are seemingly of lower significance, such as follow-up,
sending a document, talking to someone, etc. It is also prudent to ensure that any party committed to under-
taking certain actions follows through, especially if these are necessary for the objectives being pursued.
7. Consider different and/or complementary approaches.

Consider additional approaches to reinforce your message. For example, stakeholders such as embassies,
regional organizations, local authorities, civil society, or traditional leaders can also raise the same issues and
messages with interlocutors. How else could these messages be conveyed? Should they be raised at higher
levels or discussed publicly?

7
CHAPTER 7:
Monitoring, Analysing
and Reporting on
This chapter outlines the guiding principles
n United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC – Policy on United Nations
Field Missions: Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual when monitoring, reporting, and sharing
Violence (2020). information related to CRSV. It presents
the Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting
n OSRSG-SVC and UN Action – Provisional Guidance Note: Implementation
of Security Council Resolution 1960 (2010) on Women, Peace and Security Arrangements (MARA) on CRSV and the
(Conflict-Related Sexual Violence) (2011). complementary roles of civilian, military,
and police components and of the UNCT
n United Nations – Provisional Guidance Note: Intersections between the
Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Arrangement (MARA) and the Gender- as part of the MARA Working Group.
Based Violence Information Management System (GBIMS) (2015).
n OHCHR – Manual on Monitoring Human Rights (2011). GOALS
n OHCHR – United Nations Peace Operations: Integrating Human Rights in To promote timely monitoring and reporting
United Nations Military Components, Good Practices and Lessons Learned on CRSV whilst guaranteeing the confiden-
(2013). tiality, safety, and security of victims/survivors
n OHCHR – United Nations Peace Operations: Integrating Human Rights in and sources of information. To understand
United Nations Police Components (2013). the role of the MARA in the prevention and
n OHCHR – Integrating a gender perspective into Human Rights Investigations: response to CRSV.
guidance and practice (2018).
SECTION 1: GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR MONITORING AND REPORTING ON CONFLICT-RELATED

SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Monitoring, information-gathering, and reporting on CRSV by United Nations Field Mission personnel should
follow the guiding principles stated in the CRSV policy: “do no harm”, confidentiality, informed consent, gender-
sensitivity, the survivor-centred approach, and the best interests of the child. These guiding principles should be
complemented by the basic monitoring principles described below and undertaken alongside the provision of
services for victims/survivors.99 These principles include:
u Respect the mandate: United Nations Field Mission personnel need to fully understand and respect the Mission
mandate and its implementation requirements, including specific requirements for monitoring and reporting.
u Know the standards: United Nations Field Mission personnel must have full familiarity with International Human
Rights and International Humanitarian Law standards relevant to sexual violence, and applicability in the
respective country.
u Impartiality: United Nations Field Mission personnel with a mandate to monitor CRSV should gather information
and document violations of CRSV by all parties to conflict with equal thoroughness and avoid any possible
perceptions of bias of siding with one party over another.
99 For more detailed information and guidance, see “Chapter One: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the Conflict-Related Sexual
Violence Mandate” of this Handbook and the Provisional Guidance Note on the Implementation of Security Council Resolution 1960
(2010) On Women, Peace and Security (Conflict-Related Sexual Violence) of the OSRSG-SVC and UN Action (2011), pp. 8 and 20.
Chapter 7: Monitoring, Analysing and Reporting on CRSV | 67

u Objectivity: United Nations Field Mission personnel should always maintain an objective attitude and appearance.
When gathering information, all facts should be considered objectively, without prejudice or bias.
u Security: Primary consideration must be given to the security of United Nations Field Mission personnel conduct-
ing monitoring on CRSV, as well as of victims/survivors of sexual violence, their families and communities,
witnesses, and other sources of information. Security measures should be put in place to protect the identities
of all victims/survivors. Protocols to secure information and data, including compliance by all Field Mission
personnel, must be established and enforced.
A “quotes wall” at the UNFPA-supported

survivors’ center in Dohuk, Iraq, showing
messages of strength and support from
psychosocial support sessions.
UNFPA Iraq/Turchenkova
SECTION 2: THE MONITORING, ANALYSIS, AND REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS
2.1. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MONITORING, ANALYSIS, AND REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

The United Nations Security Council requested the United Nations Secretary-General to establish the Monitoring,
Analysis, and Reporting Arrangements (MARA) on sexual violence in situations of armed conflict and post con-
flict, as well as other situations of concern.100 It also requested the Secretary-General to list parties to conflict that
are credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for acts of CRSV in an Annex to the Secretary-Gener-
al’s Annual Report on Sexual Violence in Conflict.101
100 See UNSCR 1960 (2010) OP 8, requesting the Secretary-General to establish monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements on CRSV
in situations of armed conflict and post-conflict and other situations of concern; and, OP 5 and 6, requesting parties to conflict to make
specific commitments to combat sexual violence, and for the Secretary-General to monitor implementation. UNSCR 1960 is available at:
https://peacemaker.un.org/sites/peacemaker.un.org/files/SCResolutionWomen_SRES1960%282010%29%28en%29_0.pdf. Following
the adoption of UNSCR 1960, the Provisional Guidance Note on 1960 (2011) explains that MARA should be established in all situations
where CRSV is a concern. The document is available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4e23ed5d2.html
101 All Annual Reports of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict are available at: https://www.un.org/sexualviolenceinconflict/
digital-library/reports/sg-reports/
68 | Chapter 7: Monitoring, Analysing and Reporting on CRSV

This chapter provides guidance to United Nations Field Missions in implementing the MARA in coordination
with the UNCT and entities in United Nations Headquarters. It builds upon guidance contained in the Provisional
Guidance Note on the Implementation of UNSCR 1960.
In United Nations Field Missions, the SRSG is responsible for the timely implementation of UNSCR 1960 and
transmission of reports on CRSV, supported by the SWPA and the various Mission components. As the lead of
Field Missions’ investigation, monitoring, and reporting on CRSV, Human Rights components are recommended
to designate a MARA Coordinator, within the CRSV Unit, dedicated to coordinating information management,
analysis, and reporting on CRSV for the Mission. In case of absence of S/WPAs, information on CRSV and related
alerts should be shared with the designated CRSV focal point in the Human Rights component.
2.2. PURPOSE OF THE MARA
The purpose of the MARA is to ensure the systematic gathering of timely, accurate, reliable, and objective
information on CRSV against women, men, and children in all situations of concern. The MARA also aims
to produce comprehensive analysis of trends and patterns of sexual violence incidents, profiles of victims/
survivors, and alleged perpetrators in order to prevent further CRSV.
Information and analyses produced by the MARA serve several purposes, namely to:
u Promote appropriate and timely actions to prevent and respond to CRSV. The analyses of trends and
patterns of CRSV inform United Nations Field Missions’ actions to adapt prevention and responses to CRSV.
u Inform United Nations Security Council actions. The MARA serves as the basis for Security Council actions,
including the imposition of sanctions and other targeted measures against perpetrators of CRSV, and the
establishment of protection mandates for United Nations presences in affected areas, amongst other actions.
UN Photo/Ahmed
A woman in
Mogadishu, Somalia.

u Develop strategic advocacy and engagement strategies. Information collected through the MARA is
valuable for advocacy and engagement with parties to the conflict conducted by Field Missions, UNCT, entities
of the United Nations Secretariat, and the Security Council.
u Enhance consolidated efforts on prevention and programmatic responses for victims/survivors. By
providing information on protection and assistance services for victims/survivors in conflict areas, including
gaps in coverage, the MARA contributes to facilitating coordination between international and national response
actors and optimizing resource use.
u Contribute to the development of comprehensive strategies in Mission areas. The MARA informs on
progress to end CRSV at the country-level, including actions taken by host authorities, parties to the conflict,
and humanitarian actors. This contributes to the development of comprehensive strategies to combat sexual
violence in Mission areas in coordination with the United Nations Action Network and other relevant stakeholders.
SECTION 3: ESTABLISHING THE MARA IN UNITED NATIONS FIELD MISSIONS
3.1. COORDINATION BODIES

In Mission areas, two coordination bodies oversee the implementation of the MARA.102
(i) The MARA Working Group on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
The MARA Working Group reviews information; monitors and verifies incidents of sexual violence; analyses data,
trends, and patterns; prepares reports; and builds capacity to strengthen MARA. The Working Group aims to
advise and make recommendations to the SRSG/HOM on high-level actions and advocacy. The MARA Working
Group generally convenes on a monthly basis. When necessary, the Working Group may recommend that the
SRSG convenes Heads of the United Nations entities on issues which have policy implications in a Strategic
Working Group session.
The MARA Strategic Working Group on CRSV in MINUSMA

In MINUSMA, the MARA Strategic Working Group at the senior leadership level is chaired by the Deputy
SRSG and convenes whenever policy issues need to be addressed and documents need to be endorsed by
the Mission leadership, such as annual reports, internal guidance documents, and SOPs.
(ii) The Joint Consultation Forum on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

The Joint Consultation Forum gathers a wide range of actors to enhance and diversify data collection and analysis.
It consists of a broad-based consultation between various actors addressing CRSV, including relevant national
institutions, humanitarian actors, and NGOs. It reviews and discusses available information and analysis on
CRSV, including the outcome of strategies and activities carried out to address CRSV. Membership of the Joint
Consultation Forum should be determined by the MARA Working Group.
To avoid duplication, the Forum should build on existing arrangements for coordination on GBV in humanitarian
settings, such as the Protection Cluster or GBV sub-Cluster, among others. Where possible and appropriate, the
Forum may therefore be convened under the auspices of such existing arrangements.
102 The Provisional Guidance Note on UNSCR 1960 (2011) notes that the establishment of country-level arrangements will require a
phased and pragmatic approach that is flexible and based on country specific circumstances. For further information, see Section VI,
6 of the Provisional Guidance Note. Accessible at: https://www.refworld.org/pdfid/4e23ed5d2.pdf.provisional

Illustration adapted from the Provisional Guidance Note on the Implementation of UNSCR 1960.103
3.2. MEMBERSHIP OF THE MARA WORKING GROUP

The SRSG and SWPA, in consultation with the UNCT, determine which United Nations entities should make up
the MARA Working Group at the country-level. Membership should be based on expertise and capacity in GBV
programming; monitoring, verification and reporting of human rights violations; gender analysis; and other security/
protection expertise.
Membership of the Working Group is context- and Mission-specific and limited to a select group of United Nations
entities and Mission components given the highly sensitive nature of information and possible security implications
for operational entities, particularly as it relates to the identification of alleged perpetrators and parties to conflict.104
103 Provisional Guidance Note on the Implementation of Security Council Resolution 1960 (2010) On Women, Peace and Security (Conflict-
Related Sexual Violence) of the OSRSG-SVC and UN Action (2011).
104 In some cases, neutral international organizations such as the ICRC attend the MARA Working Group as observers. Humanitarian
actors may be exempted from involvement in all aspects of the Working Group’s work, mainly those related to the naming of alleged
perpetrators and parties to the conflict. Nonetheless, all activities undertaken by the Working Group should be consistent with the
humanitarian principles. Humanitarian principles are a set of principles that governs the way humanitarian response is carried out. The
four guiding principles are Humanity, Neutrality, Impartiality, and Independence.

UNJHRO/Kananga
A WPA conducts a monitoring mission in
a local hospital and shares information
on referral mechanisms for CRSV cases
in Kasai province, DRC.
Substantive sections of the civilian component of United Nations Field Missions should participate in the MARA
Working group, as appropriate, and be represented by their CRSV focal point and/or section chief. The military
component should also participate in the MARA Working Group, represented by the Force Headquarters MGPA,
Chief U2, and/or any other designated CRSV focal point.105 The police component should be represented by the
UNPOL Gender Advisor and/or other designated CRSV focal point.
The MARA Working Group in CAR

Since 2015, MINUSCA, UNHCR, UNFPA, WHO, and UNICEF participate in the MARA Working Group,
which convenes in the capital, Bangui, on a monthly basis. Several components and entities from MINUSCA
participate, including: S/WPAs and other Units of the Human Rights component, JCS, Civil Affairs, SSR,
DDR, CPAs, JMAC, and Political Affairs, as well as the Force and UNPOL. MINUSCA field offices are invited
to participate in the monthly meetings through videoconference. The invitation is extended to United Nations
agencies present in 11 field locations. In Bangui, membership was gradually extended further to include OCHA,
IOM, and ICRC, the latter participating as an observer. This geographical expansion and inclusiveness
significantly contributed to joint analysis of trends and patterns across the country.
The MARA Working Group meetings are used, especially by United Nations agencies in the field, to commun-
icate new ideas and report on their mandate-specific activities on the ground. Field personnel, especially
those in isolated areas appreciate the opportunity to directly communicate with neighbouring areas or the
capital. The MARA Working Group has contributed to the strengthening of partnerships and increased trust
between MINUSCA and the UNCT members. The close partnership with OCHA strengthened information
flows on CRSV monitoring in the regions. Humanitarian statistics are now compared with patterns of CRSV
recorded by MINUSCA to identify hotspots.
Furthermore, the SWPA is invited to periodically attend the UNCT Coordination Meeting to brief Heads of
agencies about the progress of the MARA Working Group and to encourage their continuous commitment.

3.3. DEFINING TASKS OF THE MARA WORKING GROUP
Under the overall guidance of the SWPA, the MARA Working Group should prepare Terms of Reference (TORs) to
guide its work and outline the specific roles and responsibilities for each member. The TORs should be tailored
to the specific country context and endorsed by the SRSG/HOM. To illustrate this, TORs for the MARA Working
Groups in DRC and Iraq have been included in Annex 5 of this Handbook.
Examples of Generic Tasks

of the MARA Working Group
Monitoring and verification of incidents of sexual violence by drawing on a network of information
n
sources;
n Analyse data, trends, and patterns of CRSV;
n Share information on trends and patterns of CRSV and possible gaps of services to inform provision
of GBV services;
n Undertake joint assessment missions within the Mission area to verify incidents of CRSV and
to assess the prevalence of early-warning indicators on the likelihood of CRSV;
n Coordinate efforts to gather information with other United Nations monitoring mechanisms such
as the MRM or special investigations;
n Design protocols on sharing information, secure data management, and data storage;
n Provide advice on advocacy and actions addressing CRSV to the SRSG of the United Nations
Field Mission, national authorities, relevant government officials, as well as Clusters, other working
groups, etc.;
n Contribute to the development of strategies and implementation of Joint Communiqués on
Prevention and Response to CRSV between United Nations Field Mission and parties to the conflict;
n Contribute to the drafting of reports, including the Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Sexual
Violence in Conflict;
n Consult with designated CRSV high-level government focal points, relevant government institutions,
the UNCT, and other relevant working groups on issues of concern; and
n Raise awareness on the MARA Working Group within the broader humanitarian community and
other relevant stakeholders.
SECTION 4: MONITORING AND INFORMATION GATHERING ON CONFLICT-RELATED

SEXUAL VIOLENCE
4.1. WHAT SHOULD BE MONITORED: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL

VIOLENCE
CRSV refers to incidents or patterns of rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, enforced
sterilization, or any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity, against women, men, girls, or boys. To
be considered an act of CRSV, there should be a direct or indirect nexus with the conflict or situation of concern.
Sexual violence does not need to be explicitly orchestrated for military gain (as a tactic of war) to be considered
as relevant to the CRSV mandate. Situations of political instability or other preoccupying situations should also
be taken into consideration even if they do not reach the threshold of an armed conflict (See Chapter One).106
106 For additional information about links to the conflict, see “Chapter One: Background Knowledge – Conceptual Foundation and the
Evolution of the Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Mandate” of this Handbook.

CRSV rarely occurs in isolation and is often part of a pattern of violence. There is a high probability of it occurring
when other acts of violence such as killings, child recruitment into armed groups, looting, or destruction of property
are also taking place. Gathering contextual information on the circumstances in which incidents of sexual violence
occurred — for example, spikes in inter-communal violence, violations to cease fire agreements, increased incidents
of violence in detention centres controlled by armed groups — is critical for S/WPAs and the MARA Working
Group to be able to establish the links to the conflict.
Monitoring on CRSV includes incidents and patterns committed by all parties to the conflict, not only those who
are listed in the Annex of the Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Sexual Violence in Conflict (see Section 6 of
this Chapter). These parties may include State actors, armed groups, terrorist groups, and other non-State armed
groups involved in conflict.
Depending on the specific context and conflict dynamics of each Field Mission setting, the geographical scope
of the MARA may need to be particularly focused on specific locations that are affected by conflict or situations
of concern.
Geographical scope for the MARA in DRC

In DRC, the MARA Working Group has defined a specific geographical scope for the monitoring, analysis,
and reporting of CRSV incidents and patterns. The geographical scope specifically covers the provinces
affected by armed conflict and other areas of possible concern, including Ituri, Maniema, North Kivu, and
South Kivu. The list of conflict-affected provinces is reviewed periodically by the MARA Working Group,
based on analysis of past trends and patterns of CRSV.
4.2. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE COLLECTION AND SHARING OF INFORMATION
All components of United Nations Field Missions contribute to monitoring and reporting on CRSV within the
limits of their respective roles and responsibilities. Field Missions have multiple and complementary information
collection mechanisms and, under the leadership
of the SWPA, should be strategic in making use
of this wealth of information for reporting CRSV
while ensuring the safety of victims/survivors and
sources. Field Mission personnel should seek
guidance and support from the S/WPAs when
confronted with a CRSV incident, particularly on
the protection of victims/survivors and witnesses.
Interviews with victims/survivors should be carried
out by personnel with specialized expertise,
namely WPAs, CRSV focal points in Human
Silvestre
Rights components and CPAs.

Sources of CRSV information include the victims/
survivors and witnesses, as well as other coop- The Joint Human Rights Office leads a human rights investigation in
collaboration with the police and military components of MONUSCO in
erating persons such as civil society, community Yumbi, Mai-Ndombe province of the DRC.
leaders, journalists, local NGOs, host authorities,
the UNCT, and service providers. Information on CRSV may be directly reported to United Nations Field Missions
or be collected through active information collection activities, fact-finding, and investigation activities by the
Human Rights component.

4.2.1. Standard Collection and Sharing of Information
The table below lists information that all Mission personnel should collect when encountering CRSV information in
their work. This information must be shared in a timely manner with the nearest WPA or CRSV focal point in the
Human Rights component. In case of CRSV incidents involving children, information should also be shared with
CPAs.107 For military and police components, such information sharing should be done with the same sense of
urgency as reporting to their chains of command. Immediate sharing of information is crucial to enable timely and
adequate verification and follow-up of incidents, including through the referral systems.108
Specific guidance on monitoring CRSV for Human Rights components personnel is available in Annex 6 of this
Handbook.
Collecting Information on CRSV: Do and Do Not
3
DO Collect X
DO NOT Collect*
Only if informed consent was granted n Name of the victim/survivor(s).
WHEN: Date of the incident. n Address of the victim/survivor(s).
WHO: Profile of victims/survivors (sex, age, number). n Photographs of the victim/survivor(s).
WHO: Profile of perpetrators (civilians, armed groups, n Documents of local health structures.
State forces).
n Name of the aggressor.
WHERE: Area of the incident (territory and village,
if possible). n Name of your sources if informed consent was
not granted.
WHAT: Description of what has happened.
n Data that may be linked back to an individual
HOW: Place (house, bush, market, etc.) and time or group of individuals.
(day, night, etc.) of the incident, or any specific
circumstance (attack on civilian, as part of other *This is highly sensitive/confidential information as
violations, etc). it can identify the victim/survivor and/or witnesses.
If, you happen to have this information, then ONLY
RESPONSE: Assistance already provided to the share it with the WPA or CRSV focal point in the
victims/survivors, and presence of multi-sectoral Human Rights component in order to protect victims/
services of assistance (health structures, NGOs, survivors and prevent breaches of confidentiality.
police, etc.) Specific needs victims/survivors may have.
SOURCE of information: contact details for further

follow-up
107 In some United Nations Field Missions, CPAs may be consolidated into Human Rights. Information should be shared accordingly.
108 For further details on responses, see “Chapter Four: The Survivor-Centred Approach and Referral Pathways” and “Chapter Five: Conflict-
Related Sexual Violence Advising and Mainstreaming” of this Handbook.

4.2.2. Role of the Civilian Component in the Collection and Sharing of Information
In the context of the MARA, Human Rights components of United Nations Field Missions play a leading role in mon-
itoring, investigating, and reporting on CRSV. The S/WPAs and CRSV focal points in Human Rights components are
dedicated personnel trained on prevention and response to CRSV.109 In the case of CRSV against children, Human
Rights Officers and CPAs work in close coordination, such as by conducting joint monitoring and investigation missions.
The SWPA chairs the MARA Working Group and ensures coordination on monitoring and reporting on CRSV in Field
Missions. This includes establishing standard procedures for sharing CRSV alerts and reporting to the Security
Council in the context of MARA. The S/WPAs should provide training to civilian, military, and police components
on monitoring and reporting of CRSV, including on guiding principles and information sharing processes. Training
should also be provided to all staff with monitoring tasks, including CPAs, Civil Affairs staff (including Community
Liaison Assistants), DDR focal points, Military Observers, Force focal points, UNPOL focal points, etc.
Civilian sections gathering information as part of their roles and responsibilities may come across alerts and infor-
mation on CRSV in their work. As described above, all personnel must collect essential case information and share
it with WPAs and CPAs, where applicable.
Lastly, S/WPAs should share alerts and trends on CRSV with the Force MGPA/CRSV focal points, Force U2 Staff,
and UNPOL Gender Advisor/CRSV focal points to address security concerns and early warning response. Sensi-
tive information that may lead to the identification of victims/survivors, witnesses, and other sources of information
should be filtered out when sharing these alerts.
Population perceptions on CRSV in MONUSCO and MINUSCA

Since 2013, the Civil Affairs section of MONUSCO has worked with UNDP and the Harvard Humanitarian
Initiative to carry out regular population-based surveys on perceptions and attitudes about peace, governance,
security, and justice in conflict-affected provinces of Eastern DRC. The surveys contain several questions
about sexual violence that are useful for qualitative analysis on CRSV. The results of these perception polls are
regularly shared by Civil Affairs with members of the MARA Working Group.110
A similar population-based survey on attitudes about accountability and social reconstruction has been
conducted by the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative with the support of MINUSCA in CAR.
4.2.3. Role of Military and Police Components in the Collection and Sharing of Information
As the largest components in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, military and police components are often
the first alerted about incidences of CRSV and the first to encounter CRSV victims/survivors. Information related to
CRSV should be immediately reported up the respective chains of command and shared with the military and police
CRSV focal points111 at the Sector and Headquarters levels, in addition to the nearest WPA or CRSV focal point in
the Human Rights component. The essential information requirements on CRSV should be included in reporting
formats used at the Sector, Battalion, and Company levels, as well as by Military Observers.
109 Monitoring and verification of human rights violations should be done by trained Human Rights Officers or WPAs. According to Human
Rights components’ methodology, allegations of CRSV are verified and corroborated with independent and credible sources. Cases
are entered in the confidential OHCHR Human Rights Database. The monitoring and investigation methodology of Human Rights
components is derived from the OHCHR Manual on Human Rights Monitoring and available at: https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/
Publications/OHCHRIntro-12pp.pdf. The standard of evidence to verify and establish violations is “reasonable grounds to believe”.
For the standard of evidence specific to sexual violence cases, please refer to OHCHR Guidance Note on Integrating a Gender
Perspective into Human Rights Investigations. Available at: https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/IntegratingGenderPer-
spective_EN.pdf
110 Polls are available at http://www.peacebuildingdata.org/interactivemaps/drc-polls#/?series=Latest
111 Military Gender and Protection Advisors/Focal Points and UNPOL Gender Advisors/Focal Points, as explained in “Chapter Five:
Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Advising and Mainstreaming”.

UN Photo/Dormino
A UNPOL officer engages with residents of Menaka, Mali, and collects information on the security situation during a patrol.
Force infantry patrols should gather information on early-warning indicators in the course of their daily activities. The
military component should also deploy Engagement Platoons that have specific information gathering tasks and
skills (See Chapter Five Section 2).
UNPOL should gather information on SGBV/CRSV related crimes during colocation with local security forces and
while patrolling; CRSV should be prioritized in information collection plans. When appropriate, UNPOL should
support and provide expertise in the investigations of CRSV led by Human Rights components.
The Force and UNPOL CRSV focal points should monitor daily, weekly, and monthly military and police information
as well as situation reports to identify patterns of sexual violence, activities of perpetrators, and early warning
indicators of CRSV (See Section 5 of this Chapter on Analysis of CRSV).
Based on the information gathered, the Force CRSV focal points and U2 staff and UNPOL CRSV focal points
should map incidents and hotspots and carry out periodic assessments on specific threats to, and vulnerabilities of,
women, girls, men, and boys, in coordination with the S/WPAs. The UNPOL CRSV focal points are responsible for
conducting further research and analyses on gender-based crimes, including CRSV.
The military and police components have a responsibility to share information with all stakeholders within the
Mission to prevent and respond to CRSV.112 The Force U2, U3, and U5 branches and UNPOL CRSV focal points at
Headquarters and Sector levels should plan and coordinate responses to CRSV with S/WPAs.

SECTION 5: ANALYSING TRENDS AND PATTERNS OF CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE
5.1. DEFINING TRENDS AND PATTERNS
Establishing trends and patterns on CRSV improves prevention and response efforts by United Nations Field
Missions and the United Nations Security Council. It is the role of the MARA Working Group to analyse information
on CRSV and use these analyses to make specific recommendations. Depending on each Mission context,
the amount and type of information gathered by the MARA may range from few to many, and, insignificant to
significant findings.
Trend: Direction in which CRSV is evolving.

Example from a quarterly report, MINUSCA: “From January to March, 60 incidents of CRSV were recorded
in the country, which is an increase of 58% compared to the number of incidents reported in the last quarter.”
Example from a quarterly report, UNMISS: “Despite an overall decrease in political violence in most parts of the
country, the reporting period was marked by the continued use of CRSV by the parties to the conflict as well
as community-based militias. The highest number of cases was recorded in Central Equatoria, where military
operations between the South Sudan Government and non-signatory opposition armed groups continued.”
Pattern: Modality in which CRSV happens, involving quantitative elements, repetition, sequencing over time
and/or space. A “pattern” denotes a “methodical plan”, “a system”, and a collectivity of victims.
Example from a quarterly report, MONUSCO: “In North Kivu, 15% of cases were perpetrated by State actors,
mostly soldiers from the national army, and 85% by armed groups. Most incidents occurred in Masisi,
Nyaragongo and Rutshuru territories where clashes between armed groups have been accompanied by attacks
against civilians and serious human rights abuses, including rape and gang rape. Women and girls were
frequently attacked while working in the fields or in the bush”.
5.2. ANALYSING INFORMATION TO IDENTIFY TRENDS AND PATTERNS

The MARA Working Group must consider the wealth of information which its members contribute to identify the
trends and patterns of CRSV in the country situation of their responsibility. Despite differences in methodologies,
different sources of information should be considered as complementary for the analysis of the situation. For
instance, while Human Rights components may provide information about verified incidents of CRSV, health or
humanitarian actors may provide statistics about access to services for victims/survivors.113 JMAC may provide
analysis of broader political processes and conflict dynamics to contextualize available CRSV data.
Analysis may cover various aspects related to CRSV, including trends over time and space, links with the conflict,
response to victims/survivors, and broader contextual factors contributing to CRSV.
Key questions when analysing

CRSV information
To identify trends and patterns:

Profile of victims/survivors: what are the common characteristics regarding who they are and why they
n
are targeted?
n Incidents of sexual violence:
Have there been increases/decreases in the number of verified incidents of CRSV compared to
u
the previous reporting period? What could be the reasons?
113 For further information, see Section 7 of this Chapter on the intersection between the MARA and the Gender-Based Violence
Information Management System.

Key questions when analysing
CRSV information (continued)
u What types of CRSV are committed?

Has any particular type of sexual violence increased/decreased in comparison to the previous
u
reporting period? Why?

u In which geographic areas is CRSV committed? Are there new areas where it has been committed?
What could be the reasons?
Is there a particular context in which CRSV is perpetrated (such as detention, displacement,
u
political repression)?
Is there a common feature in the way CRSV is perpetrated (such as a mode of attack, a particular
u
time of attack)? Has there been a repetition of similar events and escalation in their seriousness?
n Profile of perpetrators:
u What are the common features in who they are and how they operate?
What are the factors triggering their behaviour? Are they driven by ethnic, religious, ideological,
u
or other specific motives?

u Are there signs that perpetrators may be following a plan?
u How is the command and control of the armed group and/or armed forces involved (e.g., have they
ordered the attacks; do they have knowledge of them; do they have or not have de facto control
over combatants under their responsibility)?
To assess responses:
n Multi-sectoral care:
u What type of support or services are available for victims/survivors of SGBV, including CRSV?
u What are the gaps in service delivery?
Are there particular barriers for victims/survivors accessing care (including geographic location,
u
security concerns, lack of transportation, cost to access services, concern of stigmatization, etc.)?
n Accountability, justice, and reparations:

Have the parties to the conflict already taken any protective or preventative measures to address
u
the identified incident or pattern of CRSV?

u Have investigation and/or prosecution been carried out?
u What are the national and local legal frameworks and policies related to sexual-violence crimes?
u Have individual or collective reparations been awarded to victims/survivors of CRSV?
To consider contextual factors that contribute to CRSV:

n What are the relevant cultural, historical, political, and socio-economic factors that contribute to CRSV?
n What are the root causes of violations, including the motivation of perpetrators?
Are there other forms of gender-based discriminations and GBV happening in the country? Are there
n
links with the identified incident or pattern of CRSV?

n Were there pre-existing forms for GBV in the country before the conflict? If so, have they been
exacerbated?

5.3. EARLY-WARNING INDICATORS OF CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Analysis of CRSV trends and patterns must be integrated into existing and emerging early warning and prevention
and response systems of United Nations Field Missions and UNCTs. Such analysis should inform both operation-
al responses and strategic decision-making to protect civilians.
UN Action has developed a framework of Early-Warning Indicators of CRSV to support field staff in identifying
CRSV threats and reacting appropriately.114 Indicators aid the overall reading of the environment and identify
signals of potential, impending, or ongoing CRSV. They also help to identify possible response options.
The indicators are structured around six pillars, namely: military/security, social/humanitarian, political/legal, eco-
nomic, media-related, and health. Some of the actions listed are preventive measures to be undertaken, regard-
less of whether early-warning signs are observed, to reduce vulnerability. These indicators must be adapted to
each Mission setting under the coordination of the S/WPAs and Senior/POC Advisors. The S/WPAs are encour-
aged to develop additional tools to analyse CRSV trends.
Early Warning and Prevention Efforts by MONUSCO

In MONUSCO, the SWPA supports Mission components in ensuring there is systematic attention to CRSV in
their POC work, which includes the integration of CRSV into Mission POC tools and the provision of training
on reporting and early-warning indicators.
Early-warning indicators — collected through the network of WPAs and CRSV focal points — are promptly
shared with the Force, the POC Advisor, the Protection Cluster, and the GBV sub-Cluster and systematically
discussed during monthly MARA Working Group meetings. These indicators have triggered Force deployments,
including assessment missions in South Kivu and the delivery of PEP kits in Haut-Uélé province, among
other actions.
There is ongoing collaboration between the SWPA and the MGPA at Force Headquarters. The MGPA has,
notably, worked with the SWPA to develop CRSV early-warning indicators and a POC booklet for the military
component, which includes guidance on what peacekeepers should do to prevent and address CRSV. In
addition, new training materials and “pocket cards” were developed, including a pocket card on CRSV
monitoring principles.
S/WPAs share concrete operational recommendations in meetings with the Force regarding several aspects
of combatting CRSV, including: methods of safe and dignified engagement with women and local commu-
nities, using sex-disaggregated data and gender analysis in intelligence assessments, deployment of female
combat troops and female peacekeepers in foot patrols, and planning patrols at times and locations when
and where women and girls are most at risk.
SECTION 6: REPORTING ON CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE
6.1. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR REPORTING ON CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Timely, accurate, and detailed reporting is essential to provide a clear picture to United Nations Field Mission
leadership and to generate pertinent recommendations for comprehensive responses by the Mission and the
United Nations system.
114 United Nations Action – Matrix: Early-Warning Indicators of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (2009). Available at: https://peacemaker.
un.org/sites/peacemaker.un.org/files/MatrixEarlyWarningIndicatorsCSV_UNAction2011.pdf

The MARA Working Group is responsible to periodically report to the SRSG-SVC on the basis of information from
the MARA (see following section). These reports are transmitted by the SRSG of the United Nations Field Mission
through the established reporting channels.
To ensure harmonized and coherent reporting on CRSV by Field Missions and the MARA Working Group, all
internal reports on CRSV in missions must be channelled through the SWPA, who fulfils reporting obligations on
CRSV and coordinates the MARA.
S/WPAs have the lead in establishing statistics on verified incidents of CRSV, compiling information, and preparing
reports on CRSV.115 The SWPA leads the elaboration of reports of the MARA Working Group through a consultation
process with Working Group members. Preparation of statistics and reporting information on CRSV against
children is done in coordination with the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM), as described below.
The MARA Working Group also prepares key The 2019 Report of
recommendations for the host State and parties the United Nations
to conflict regarding prevention and responding Secretary-General
on CRSV, S/2019/280.
to CRSV, and if applicable, regarding the
progress in the implementation of their com-
mitments.
Lastly, upon request, United Nations Field
Missions may share information on CRSV
with the United Nations Security Council
Sanctions Committee. This information must
be detailed enough to identify perpetrators and
establish their respective levels of responsi-
bility. United Nations Sanctions Committees
can decide to apply targeted and graduated
State-specific sanctions regimes against those
who perpetrate and direct CRSV.
6.2. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
REPORTING ON CONFLICT-RELATED
SEXUAL VIOLENCE
In the preparation of inputs for reporting, it is
important to refer to previous reports, including
what specific recommendations have been
successfully implemented. Analysis should
reflect on changes and developments from the
previous reports and build on the recommen-
dations issued by the MARA Working Group.
Reports on CRSV should never contain information that could identify specific sources and victims/survivors.
Civilian, military and police components should use gender-sensitive language and age and sex disaggregated
data when reporting. Using gender-sensitive language helps to avoid a style of writing that “erases” women and
avoid phrases that reaffirm and perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes.116
115 Reports on CRSV should make use of information and analysis reported by the various information sources in the Field Mission and
from MARA Working Group members.
116 OHCHR guidance on Integrating a Gender Perspective in Human Rights Investigation, p.52. Available at: https://www.ohchr.org/
Documents/Publications/IntegratingGenderPerspective_EN.pdf

Good practice: Tips when reporting on CRSV
Style:
n Keep in mind the audience and possible use of report.
n Adopt a precise, factual, and accessible style.
n Use objective and gender-sensitive language.117
n Include disaggregated data (age, sex, ethnicity, geographical area, etc.).
n Reference information, particularly when including numbers, by specifying the type of source.
Content:
n Only report relevant and useful information.
n Include precise information on dates and locations of incidents without disclosing details that could
identify victims or sources.
n Illustrate analysis trends and patterns with specific examples of incidents.
n Specify which type of acts of CRSV have been committed.
n Include information on the circumstances in which violations are committed.
n Clearly identify the perpetrators (mainly groups) and who has command responsibility of the perpetrators.
n Explain the types of victims/survivors targeted and the underlying reasons (i.e., isolation, remote
location, etc.).
n Specify what may be the triggering factors and motivations of perpetrators for committing CRSV.
n Include information on the consequences of CRSV to victims/survivors.
n Describe the responses to CRSV to prevent, protect, and ensure accountability.
6.3. PERIODIC REPORTS ON CRSV

United Nations Field Missions, through the MARA Working Groups, are responsible for the following periodic
reporting:
Annual inputs: United Nations Field Missions provide inputs for the Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Sexual
Violence in Conflict, which serves as the primary vehicle for transmission of information on CRSV to the Security
Council. Requests for these inputs are sent annually to Field Missions in the form of a code cable and accom-
panied by a list of analytical questions. These inputs usually include an overview of the situation, comprising the
major/indicative incidents during the reporting period; the parties to the conflict; analysis of trends and patterns
of reported/documented cases; the status of dialogue and implementation of commitments by parties to conflict;
the actions carried out by parties to conflict, and by the government or United Nations entities during the report-
ing period including efforts to address impunity; and recommendations. The MARA Working Group also makes
recommendations of parties that should be listed, or de-listed, in the Annex of the Secretary-General’s Annual
Report.118
117 For more information see the United Nations Guidelines for Gender-Inclusive Language, available at: https://www.un.org/en/gender-
inclusive-language/guidelines.shtml
118 UNSCR 1960 requests the Secretary-General to list ‘parties credibly suspected of patterns of sexual violence’. For listing purposes,
isolated offences should be distinguished from those forming part of a pattern, understood in international law and practice as a
methodical plan or system that implicates a collectivity of victims/survivors. The aim of this threshold is to prevent a single, isolated
incident of sexual violence from giving rise to listing.

Bi-annual review on CRSV: The bi-annual review on CRSV provides an overview of significant incidents; analysis
of CRSV trends and patterns by various parties to conflict; the status of dialogue and implementation of commit-
ments; the actions carried out by parties to conflict, and government or United Nations entities during the reporting
period including efforts to address impunity; and recommendations.
Quarterly activity-based reports: S/WPAs in peacekeeping missions produce a quarterly report on the Missions’
efforts to prevent and respond to CRSV, as well as an overview of the country situation, in consultation with all
Mission components.
Circumstantial, thematic, or Mission-specific reporting: Inputs on CRSV are provided for other reports of the
Secretary-General to the Security Council as needed, such as for the Annual Report of the Secretary-General on
Children and Armed Conflict and the Annual Report of the Secretary-General on Protection of Civilians.
In addition to these reports, other reports and information on relevant sexual-violence incidents or threats should
continue to be brought to the attention of the Mission leadership and the SRSG-SVC as part of the ongoing
monitoring and reporting of United Nations Field Missions. For instance, information on CRSV threats/incidents
should be included in daily and weekly situation reports, public human rights reports, special investigations reports,
thematic reports, where relevant, as well as reports to the United Nations Human Rights Council.
6.4. COORDINATION BETWEEN MRM AND MARA

In Mission settings where both MARA and MRM frameworks are operational, close coordination is essential to
avoid duplication of work and gaps in information gathering, reporting, and engagement with parties to conflict.
To facilitate information exchange and coordinated action, CPAs, UNICEF Child Protection Officers, and other
relevant actors should participate in the MARA Working Group. Similarly, S/WPAs should participate in the MRM
consultations. The SRSG and Heads of United Nations system entities should ensure a coherent and coordinated
approach of the work of the United Nations system on CRSV at the country level.
Collaboration between MRM and MARA in DRC

In DRC, the Child Protection section of MONUSCO coordinates the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism
(MRM), co-led by UNICEF. The section often reports on cases of CRSV against children. S/WPAs developed
specific working methods to harmonize reporting and bridge the gaps between MARA and MRM method-
ologies.
At the field office level, WPAs and CPAs are encouraged to share information on allegations of sexual violence
against children daily, and to conduct monitoring, analysis, and follow-up jointly (including referrals to care
services). They also meet on a monthly basis to compare cases and identify gaps and harmonize reporting.
At the headquarters level of MONUSCO, monthly and annual harmonization exercises are carried out be-
tween WPAs and CPAs to prevent both the duplication of reporting and underreporting. In addition, both
CPAs and UNICEF focal points are MARA Working Group members in order to ensure sharing of information
and analysis, and the mainstreaming of CRSV prevention and response in their respective activities and
conduct of joint activities.

SECTION 7: INTERSECTION BETWEEN THE MARA AND THE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The Gender-Based Violence Information Management System (GBVIMS) is an inter-agency partnership between
the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and the United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The work of the GBVIMS is conducted in consultation with the
Inter-Agency Standing Committee sub-Working Group on Gender and Humanitarian Action and the GBV Area of
Responsibility Working Group of the Protection Cluster.
The GBVIMS was created to harmonize data collection by GBV service providers in humanitarian settings.
It consists of a simple system for GBV service providers to collect, store, and analyse their data, and to
enable the safe and ethical sharing of reported GBV incident data. The intention of the GBVIMS is both to
assist service providers to better understand the GBV cases to enable actors to share data internally across
project sites and, externally with diverse agencies to facilitate broader trends analysis and improve GBV
coordination.
The GBVIMS cases are non-identifiable and as such cannot support documentation for the purpose of investi-
gation and prosecution. Moreover, statistics produced by the GBVIMS cannot be used to assess the prevalence
of GBV in a geographic location, or to compare one location against another, as GBVIMS data is solely gathered
from locations where services providers operate.
Although they are separate and distinct systems, GBVIMS can be a source of information for MARA purposes.
A Provisional Guidance Note explains the intersections between the MARA and the GBVIMS, including guiding
principles and recommendations on if, how, and when they can be complementary to each other.119
The GBVIMS also includes an Information Sharing Protocol (ISP) based on the survivor-centred approach and
tailored to each individual context where the GBVIMS is implemented. The ISP provides some ground rules and
guiding principles on procedures for sharing non-identifiable data on reported cases of GBV. Any data sharing
that takes place between the GBVIMS and the MARA should respect this ISP.
Which data points from the GBVIMS

are relevant for MARA purposes?
GBVIMS data points that are relevant for data sharing include:
n Incident type;
n Survivor age;
n Survivor sex;
n Date of incident;
n Alleged perpetrator occupation (armed forces/armed group);
n Location of the incident;
n Displacement status of the survivor; and
n Referral information.
119 For more information, see the United Nations – Provisional Guidance Note: Intersections between the Monitoring, Analysis, and Re-
porting Arrangement (MARA) and the Gender-Based Violence Information Management System (GBVIMS) (2015). Available at: http://
www.gbvims.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/Provisional-Guidance-Note-on-Intersections-Between-GBVIMS-MARA.pdf. It is import-
ant to note that the GBVIMS and MARA complement each other: MARA requires certain data and information that GBV services
providers do not collect using GBVIMS. Information collected through the GBVIMS can only be shared with the explicit consent of
the survivor, and this information is non-identifiable.

CA SE STU D Y
MARA and GBV Sub-Cluster Coordination

A collaborative approach to improve CRSV/GBV reporting and programming
Mali
In Mali, parties to conflict use rape and other forms of sexual violence to humiliate,
intimidate, and control the civilian population. Despite available information regarding
attacks on the population, CRSV remains largely underreported due to high levels of
insecurity, limited humanitarian access combined with scarcity of GBV/CRSV services.
Background
Underreporting is also linked to the scarce prosecution of cases. The strong social
pressure, fear of stigma, and reprisal of victims/survivors perpetuate underreporting and
function as additional barriers to establishing CRSV trends in the country and for the
provision of GBV services and protection responses for victims/survivors.
A Strategy to Under the leadership of the SWPA, the MARA Working Group and GBV sub-Cluster have
Overcome enhanced their collaboration to overcome these challenges and strengthen monitoring,
Underreporting analysing, reporting, and responses to GBV and CRSV in Mali.
The MARA Technical Working Group regularly convenes relevant sections from MINUSMA
and the UNCT to analyse and report on trends and patterns of CRSV by parties to the
conflict in the country. Information management on CRSV cases is coordinated by the
Office of the S/WPAs in the Human Rights component, who also lead the Technical
Working Group.
Led by UNFPA, the GBV sub-Cluster in Mali coordinates
Two
prevention and response interventions related to all cases
Methodologies,
of GBV. The GBV sub-Cluster counts on the participation
One Common
of a broad range of actors, including government entities,
Objective
service providers, local and international NGOs, and United
Nations Agencies. The GBVIMS is used to record information
by members of the sub-Cluster who collect data.
Despite their distinct methodologies, the leadership of the MARA Technical Working
Group and GBV sub-Cluster took specific actions to leverage these methodological
differences and mutually reinforce their capacities.
The SWPA negotiated with the GBV sub-Cluster to improve and expand GBV/CRSV data
collection and harmonization. More than 30 member organizations of the GBVIMS who
Steps to signed an information sharing protocol for GBV data in 2015, also signed an addendum
Strengthen for CRSV information in May 2017, including key United Nations protection agencies
Information and GBV providers who have direct access to victims/survivors. The addendum defines
Collection and what, when, and how information between the MARA Technical Working Group and the
Exchange GBV sub-Cluster is shared.
(continued)

Members of the GBV sub-Cluster now use a separate and confidential information
sheet to report monthly information on CRSV cases, with relevant details for the MARA.
Steps to The information on CRSV is compiled by the GBVIMS Coordinator and subsequently
Strengthen shared with the S/WPAs and other members at a bi-monthly sub-Cluster meeting. This
Information information is also shared at the MARA Working Group to contribute to establishing
Collection and patterns and trends of CRSV.
Exchange
Finally, WPAs are active participants in the GBV sub-Cluster and continuously share
(continued) alerts and early warning information during meetings. Moreover, the GBV sub-Cluster
serves as a Joint Consultative Forum on CRSV on a quarterly basis to discuss CRSV and
the implementation of the Joint Communiqué signed by the Government of Mali.
Collaboration with the GBV sub-Cluster has had many positive results:
n The capacity of the MARA Working Group has been generally strengthened: the
number of reported cases has increased, geographic information gaps have been
bridged, and CRSV/GBV programming is more coordinated and efficient;
n Data and trends on GBV/CRSV have been reported more consistently across
organizations in Mali, including in the Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Sexual

Key Outcome
Violence in Conflict;
n National and international advocacy efforts to enhance CRSV/GBV responses are
harmonized, hence more powerful and successful;

n Members have the opportunity to exchange with each other, fostering mutual capacity
building, collaborative thinking, and a more comprehensive and holistic approach to

GBV/CRSV in Mali.
1. The close working relationship between the S/WPAs and the GBV sub-Cluster led
by UNFPA;
2. The commitment and dedication of members to the GBV sub-Cluster;
3. The creation of the post of the GBVIMS Coordinator dedicated to data collection
and information sharing among sub-Cluster members and capacity building of
Key Elements its members;
of Success
4. An approach that leverages the expertise, strengths, and resources of individual
members to provide a more efficient and holistic response to GBV and CRSV;
5. The organization of regular meetings to share and exchange information;
6. The institutionalization of information collection and information sharing through
a protocol endorsed by the GBV sub-Cluster members.

8
CHAPTER 8:
Providing Physical Protection
to Prevent and Respond to
This chapter is intended for Peacekeeping
n United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC – Policy on United Nations
Operations with police and military components.
Field Missions: Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual
Violence (2020). It presents the different risk levels and early-
warning indicators related to CRSV and provides
n United Nations DPO – Policy on the Protection of Civilians in United
guidance on possible strategies and operations
Nations Peacekeeping (2019).
to prevent and respond to CRSV through phys-
n United Nations DPO/DOS Policy on Authority, Command and Control ical protection, in line with POC guidelines.
in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (2019).
n United Nations DPKO/DFS – Policy on Formed Police Units in United GOALS
Nations Peacekeeping Operations (2016).
To understand the strategies and operations
n United Nations Police – United Nations Police Gender Toolkit (2015). related to physical protection to be carried out to
n United Nations DPO – Guidelines on Combined Military and Police prevent and respond to CRSV, and the required
Coordination Mechanisms in Peace Operations (2019). coordination between Peacekeeping Operation
n United Nations DPKO/DFS – Guidelines on the Use of Force by Military components.
Components in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (2016).
SECTION 1: PHYSICAL PROTECTION AND COORDINATION TO ADDRESS CONFLICT-RELATED

SEXUAL VIOLENCE
1.1. DEFINING PHYSICAL PROTECTION
United Nations Field Missions should constantly work to prevent, pre-empt, and respond to CRSV against civilians.
Planning and execution of protection activities should be done based on a threat assessment, the Mission POC
strategy, and Concept of Operations (CONOPS). According to their respective roles and responsibilities, the com-
ponents of Peacekeeping Operations contribute jointly to the POC mandate, including the provision of physical
protection (see Chapter Three for information on the POC mandate).120
Physical protection encompasses activities to physically protect civilians, whether through protective
presence, interposition, the threat or use of force, or facilitating safe passage or refuge. Physical protection
is provided by military and police components of peacekeeping Missions, in coordination with the civilian
component.
Military and police components of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations have a leading and critical role in
the provision of physical protection to prevent and respond to CRSV.121 In many instances, military and police
120 For further information on POC, please refer to the United Nations DPO Policy and Handbook on “The Protection of Civilians in United
Nations Peacekeeping” (2019). The policy outlines the Three Tiers of POC Action, namely: Tier I: Protection through dialogue and
engagement; Tier II: Provision of physical protection; Tier III: Establishment of a protective environment.
121 United Nations DPKO/DFS “Protection of Civilians: Implementing Guidelines for Military Components of United Nations Peacekeeping
Missions” (2015).
Chapter 8: Providing Physical Protection to Prevent and Respond to CRSV | 87

personnel may in fact be the only actors able to intervene to prevent CRSV or provide a first response to victims/
survivors. Considering the leading role of the military and police components to provide physical protection,
their cooperation and coordination is critical.122 To complement physical protection provided by military and police
components, the civilian component should play a key part in establishing a protective presence and environment
through regular, visible, and direct engagement with local communities, civilians at risk, and parties to the conflict.
The military and police components in Peacekeeping Operations should proactively prevent incidents, deter
perpetrators, protect civilians, and respond to potential, impending and ongoing CRSV threats through physical
protection. The appropriate strategic approach to physical protection varies between missions and should be
adapted to each context.123
In missions with a POC mandate, peacekeepers are authorized to use force in self-defence and in defence of the
mandate. Depending upon the Mission mandate, this may include the authorization to use up to deadly force for
the protection of civilians, including the prevention and response to CRSV. In this context, “force” is defined as the
use of, or threat to use, physical means to impose one’s will.124 In all physical protection activities, peacekeepers
must abide by international law and the Mission’s military Rules of Engagement (ROE) and UNPOL Directives on the
Use of Force (DUF). Under effective command and control, it is the responsibility of commanders of all contingents
and Units to ensure all those under their command understand and comply with the ROE and DUF.
UNMISS peacekeepers conduct a

firewood patrol to secure women
and girls on the road from the
Mission’s Protection of Civilians’
site in Bentiu, South Sudan.
UN Photo/Billy
122 According to the United Nations DPO Guidelines on Combined Military and Police Coordination Mechanisms in Peace Operations
(2019), military and police peacekeepers conduct combined or joint activities, when preventing, deterring or pre-empting violence
against civilians, including joint (high-visibility) patrols, information gathering, deploying to strategic locations, or even engaging
perpetrators of violence. Although the modalities for cooperation between military and police are broadly outlined in the DPO/DOS
Policy on Authority, Command and Control in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and the respective guidelines on military
and police command and operations, including provisions on the primacy of each actor in different broadly defined circumstances,
each mission should develop specific combined operational guidelines, detailed communication and reporting lines, delineation of
responsibilities and tasks, delegation of authority and transfer of operational command between the police and military contingents in
peacekeeping. Where a peacekeeping operation has a mandate to protect civilians it applies regardless of the source of the threat
and includes the prevention and response to CRSV.
123 United Nations DPO Guidelines on Combined Military and Police Coordination Mechanisms in Peace Operations (2019).
124 For the Police component “force” will be defined as per the respective Mission’s UNPOL Directives on the Use of Force (DUF) and for
the military component, as per the DPKO/DFS Guidelines on the Use of Force by Military Components in United Nations Peacekeeping
Operations (2017).
88 | Chapter 8: Providing Physical Protection to Prevent and Respond to CRSV

1.2. A COORDINATED APPROACH TO PHYSICAL PROTECTION
Physical protection activities to prevent and respond to CRSV must be planned and implemented as part of an
integrated approach with close coordination between uniformed and civilian components, to jointly determine
priority areas for deployment, presence, and actions, to guide the objectives and conduct of military and police
operations, and to undertake complementary activities such as political and community dialogue and engage-
ment.125 Physical protection should not take place in an isolated manner but rather be part of a chain of activities by
various Mission components. Physical protection and the use of force may be part of this regardless of the source
of the threat, including State and non-State actors.
Efforts to integrate CRSV into protection functions of military and police components — including the guiding
principles of CRSV work as detailed by the CRSV Policy (see Chapters One and Four in this Handbook) — should
be led by the Force Headquarter MGPA and the UNPOL Gender Advisor, in coordination with the SWPA, Senior
POC Advisor, and Senior CPA. Military and police components should always coordinate CRSV prevention and
response efforts with S/WPAs and include them in operational planning.
Scenarios of Mission-wide
responses to CRSV
Where the Mission is confronted with threats or ongoing CRSV committed by host-State police and
security forces, the Mission should use all possible avenues of dialogue and advocacy with the host State
including training, human rights monitoring, investigations and reporting as well as engagement of other national
and international actors. The Mission can promote accountability for CRSV perpetrators and support for
justice processes. Furthermore, Peacekeeping Operations have a clear responsibility and obligation to intervene
and stop ongoing sexual violence against civilians by State security actors and to provide physical protection
to civilians at risk of CRSV, which may include the use of force.
Where CRSV threats to civilians come from non-State armed groups, the motivation for the threat can
range from political, economic, or entirely criminal objectives to a response to ethnic, religious, or land-based
disputes. A tailored approach to each specific armed or criminal group, which considers the vulnerabilities of
the population, including specific risks faced by women and children, should be used to respond to the CRSV
threat. Activities can range from support to the host-State police and security forces to maintain or restore
state authority; community-based activities, to the use of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration; and
community violence reduction programmes. In addition to this, Peacekeeping Operations have a clear re-
sponsibility and obligation to intervene and stop ongoing sexual violence against civilians by non-State armed
groups and to provide physical protection to civilians at risk of CRSV, including through the use of force.
In response to inter-communal violence, including CRSV, the Mission may prioritize community dialogue,
mediation, and reconciliation activities, as well as engagement with political actors who may have influence at
the local level. Support can be provided to host-State authorities to ensure the maintenance of law and public
order. Uniformed components can also act as a deterrent through their presence and high-visibility patrolling.
United Nations DPO Guidelines on Combined Military and Police Coordination Mechanisms in Peace Operations (2019).

SECTION 2: EARLY-WARNING INDICATORS OF CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND
RESPONSE BY MILITARY AND POLICE COMPONENTS
Prevention is the most effective way of protecting civilians against CRSV, hence, Peacekeeping Operations should
focus on developing timely and reliable situational analysis on CRSV to respond quickly to reported threats. Con-
sidering that certain Missions may deal with a high number of emergencies and situations of concern, S/WPAs
together with the CRSV focal points will play a key part in identifying early-warnings indicators, hotspots, and
prioritizing the dedication of Mission efforts and resources on preventing CRSV incidents.
Specific early-warning indicators for CRSV have been developed to aid the assessment of the environment, which
serve as signals of potential, impending, or ongoing sexual violence. These indicators should prompt an analysis
of changes in the operating environment and an appropriate response, including in terms of physical protection.
Any response needs to be reasonable, timely, and proportionate in direct correlation to the level of threat or act of
violence.
The section below outlines the different risk levels related to CRSV and appropriate responses by the Mission
military and police components. The last section provides guidance on consolidation actions after CRSV has been
perpetrated.
2.1. POTENTIAL RISK: PROTECTIVE PRESENCE

When there is potential risk of sexual violence in the medium to long term, military and police components must
have a proactive posture and mindset to prevent and deter such threats to civilians. Projecting Mission presence,
including military and police patrols and other Mission deployments, is one of the most visible and reassuring forms
of security for local populations. Even when a threat has not been identified, a visible presence, particularly in stra-
tegic areas and those where State security forces are not present, is an important deterrent and confidence-build-
ing measure. This presence should be accompanied by assurances to the population of the Mission’s intent to
protect civilians from physical violence and the establishment of community engagement and alert mechanisms in
coordination with civilian components.126
Indicators: Possible responses:

n Political events that may increase tensions or n Regular communication with key stakeholders
trigger violence in a context where sexual and potential perpetrators.
violence has been used against civilians during
n Deploy to locations and at times where women/
previous unrest (i.e., elections).
girls are most at risk/vulnerable.
Women/girls in conflict-affected areas going out Establish protective presence in and around
n
n
to farms, fields, and markets for income-genera- areas of women’s/girls’ economic activity.
tion purposes (i.e., possible vulnerabilities).
2.2. IMPENDING RISK: PRE-EMPTIVE AND DETERRENT ACTIONS

When there is a risk that sexual violence is imminent or is likely to take place in the near future, increased and
timely pre-emptive measures must be taken to eliminate or mitigate the threat before violence occurs, including
through credible deterrent actions such as reinforced presence and patrolling, show of force, securing key sites,
interpositioning, psychological operations, and proactive military and police operations. In addition to these, better
situational awareness (intense information gathering) and enhanced monitoring, reporting, and advocacy on the
security situation may be required, in close cooperation with the S/WPAs. Increased high-profile patrolling, including
126 For further guidance, see the United Nations DPO Policy on “The Protection of Civilians in United Nations Peacekeeping” (2019).

joint patrols with WPAs, Human Rights, and other civilian components may be required. Such patrols should, where
possible, interact with communities and should be targeted — location and timing — based on inputs from partners,
communities, and other protection actors.127
Pre-emption is pro-active and peacekeepers should intercept, neutralize, or defuse situations before CRSV is
perpetrated. The use of intervening forces and deployment of Formed Police Units (FPU), Quick Reaction Forces
(QRF), Special Forces, or Reserves at forward locations may be required; contingency plans should be developed
in advance to enable rapid response.128

n Ongoing offensive operations (State forces or n Increase presence of uniformed peacekeepers
armed groups). in the area, including by organizing joint and
n Movement of military forces or armed groups high-profile patrols with civilian components
towards a mineral rich area or areas controlled to function as a deterrent.
by other armed groups. n Ensuring better situational awareness,
n Retaliatory attacks against the civilian population including through direct communication
for perceived support and collaboration with the with communities.
enemy.
2.3. ONGOING CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE: RESPONSIVE ACTION

If CRSV has escalated in either scale or intensity of harm beyond that which could reasonably be expected to be
addressed by either host-State police or other security actors and/or the Mission’s individual police officers, more
forceful measures may be necessary to deal with the situation. In instances where CRSV is ongoing or is likely to
escalate, operations conducted by FPU and the military component may extend to pre-empting and neutralizing
the source of the threat in accordance with the mandate, ROEs/DUF, and graduated use of force. Direct military and
police action, the deployment of inter-positional troops, and the use of force are options that must be considered.
The Mission has a responsibility to act to the full extent of its capabilities by deploying rapidly to secure the civilian
population and the speedy movement of forces, such as attack helicopters, QRFs, and reconnaissance operations,
can prevent, limit, or stop harm to civilians. The level of response may need to escalate to the use of lethal force de-
pending upon the threat, DUFs, and ROE. All response should include harm mitigation measures and be followed
up by after action reviews, where necessary in coordination with the civilian components, as well as de-escalation
of operations and handing security measures over to the host-State police and security actors where relevant.129

n Reports of women systematically being n Establish Temporary Operating Bases and/or Mobile
abducted or killed by armed groups or Operating Bases.
security forces. n Prevent further violations occurring through patrol posture.
n Statements from medical NGOs that they n Report the violations and abuses to the requisite military
are increasingly seeing rape-related injuries. and civilian offices.
n Take direct military action against (potential) perpetrators
using all necessary means.
128 For further guidance, see the United Nations DPO Policy on “The Protection of Civilians in United Nations Peacekeeping” (2019).
129 If the host-State police and/or security actors pose a threat to, are believed to be, or are responsible for committing CRSV, the mission
should act independently to continue protecting civilians against CRSV.

2.4. AFTER CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE:
STABILIZATION ACTION
Following a situation where CRSV was perpetrated, the
Mission must carry out measures to stabilize the area
to avoid re-occurrence of CRSV, such as establishing
security in support of the host State and enhancing
preventive measures. During this consolidation phase,
military and police peacekeepers assist the local popula-
tion and host-State authorities to normalize the situation
and diminish the risk of renewed crisis. Measures to be
taken by military and police peacekeepers may include:
immediate medical care, crime-scene preservation, infor-
mation sharing on CRSV incidents with WPAs and CRSV
focal points of the Human Rights component, assessment
of remedial and preventive measures, drafting of formal
reports for follow-up with relevant authorities, and estab-
lishing defensive positions. The response should be multi-
dimensional, involving political, humanitarian, military, and
police activities. Moreover, it should be coordinated with
Schneider
humanitarian protection partners to ensure complemen-
tarity of actions and respect for humanitarian principles.
MONUSCO undertaking a scenario-based training exercise on
Basic military and police tactical tasks — such as patrolling,
Early-warning indicators of CRSV in Goma, DRC.
observation and liaison, among others — are necessary
tools to understand the environment and are of paramount importance during this phase of consolidation. It must,
however, be ensured that the military and police components are adequately supported by the civilian component
and the military component disengages as soon as possible after stabilizing the situation/area.130
SECTION 3: ACTIONS BY MILITARY AND POLICE COMPONENTS TO PREVENT AND RESPOND

TO CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE
A wide range of tactics and operations can be carried out by military and police components to provide physical
protection from CRSV. These should be decided upon considering the early-warning indicators and situational
awareness (as mentioned in Section 2.2, above). To ensure a sustainable impact, pre-emptive activities should
preferably, and as appropriate, be conducted in support of State authorities, by mobilizing or persuading them to act.
Adherence to the military ROE and UNPOL DUF is crucial. Operations conducted by the military and police
components should take steps to protect civilians and mitigate potential harm to civilians that might arise before,
during, or after such operations. All responses should be followed up by after action reviews; where necessary in
coordination with the civilian components. Specific roles and responsibilities of staff at Force Headquarters, as well
as those of Units and Commanders, are detailed in the Annex.
3.1. PREVENTION AND RESPONSE BY THE MILITARY COMPONENT TO CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL

VIOLENCE
This section outlines some commonly used responses undertaken by the military component to prevent and
respond to CRSV (non-exhaustive list). FPU may support several of these actions.
130 For further information about tactical decisions and response models, see the United Nations DPO Guidelines on Combined Military
and Police Coordination Mechanisms in Peace Operations (2019).

Protective-Grid. Units and sub-Units are to be deployed in a protective grid to cover priority vulnerable areas to
CRSV with static/semi-static and mobile operational elements to provide tactical balance, flexibility, operational
agility, and responsiveness to POC and CRSV threats. Static deployments such as Company Operating Bases,
Observation Posts, and Checkpoints provide incidental protection and deter potential perpetrators from commit-
ting CRSV.
Routine Preventive Operations and Area Sanitization. Protracted and preventive routine operations contribute
to prevention and deterrence of CRSV positively. This enables the Force to dominate priority areas, maintain pres-
sure on the perpetrators (by denying access to population centres and negatively impacting logistics sustenance
capabilities), and to restore State authority. Periodic area sanitization operations to address areas away from static/
temporary deployments — where perpetrators are likely to operate with impunity — are also important.
Mobile Operations. Mobility is crucial for military components of Peacekeeping Missions. The capability to move
quickly by air, vehicle, and on foot to areas of high incidence or potential flash points is key to combating CRSV.
Random high-mobility patrols, checkpoints, Military Observers, and Military Liaison Officer teams appearing in
remote and unexpected areas increase visibility and enhance deterrence.
Pre-emptive Operations. In most cases, CRSV is preventable with rapid preventive deployments undertaken by
mobile forces, such as Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) at the sub-Unit level, QRFs at the Unit level, and Force Reserves
at the Force HQ level, as well as through Inter-Mission Cooperation. In certain cases, sidestepping/redeploying
operational detachments to areas can pre-empt an emerging potential or impending threat. Hotspots must be
identified in close collaboration with the civilian component of the Mission and the host population. Situational
awareness, operational readiness, mobility (including strategic mobility), rapid concentration of Force levels, and
effective command and control are vital for effective pre-emptive operations.
Route Patrolling at Wood Collection Locations

Arrange escorts for civilians, especially women and girls who are often responsible for collecting
firewood, on designated days between villages/IDP/refugee camps and surrounding areas to allow for firewood
collection. Women bearing wood, water, or other provisions are slow-moving targets at risk of being robbed,
raped, and forced to surrender their supplies to armed elements.
Caution: Avoid one-way transportation. In some cases, women have been dropped off at firewood collection
sites, leaving them vulnerable on their return to camp.
Route Patrolling at Water Collection Locations

Armed patrols should accompany civilians, especially women and girls (the primary water-collectors) along
water supply routes and to and from collection areas.
Caution: Combatants may enter IDP camps for water supplies. Field Missions can support the construction of
a water bladder outside the camps to alleviate/deter entry into IDP camps.
Night Flashing
Driving and keeping headlights on all night to signal presence in the area or using flares/ illumination mortars
are forms of “deterrence through presence”.
Random Patrols
Unannounced, random foot patrols and checkpoints keep perpetrators off balance.

Temporary Operating Bases. Temporary Operating Bases (TOB) are independently deployed defensible bases
with required Force levels and logistics sustenance. In the context of CRSV, TOBs are deployed to cover vulnerable
areas and hotspots by the fastest means available. Once deployed, they carry out day and night operations through
mobile and static elements. They may operate on foot, in vehicles, or in an armoured personnel carrier-mounted
formation or may be provided with helicopter support (on call). TOBs may be systematically redeployed to address
a wider area to keep armed groups off-balance and ensure security. TOBs enhance the confidence of the popu-
lation in the peacekeeping operation and deter armed groups from settling in the vicinity of villages and attacking
civilians. They can also be interposed between armed groups in times of rising tension; this is especially relevant
when the modus operandi of such groups includes CRSV.
Civil-military integrated teams in MONUSCO

In DRC, MONUSCO has developed civil-military integrated teams to support the Protection mandate of the
Mission and respond to CRSV early warnings.
n Joint Protection Team. A Joint Protection Team (JPT) is a mixed team comprised of civilian staff (including
WPAs, Human Rights Officers, CPAs, Civil Affairs, DDR, Political Affairs, Public Information Officers, etc.);
Military Observers or contingent personnel; and UNPOL. JPTs engage communities to assess and analyse
threats and find practical solutions to protection issues, including CRSV. JPTs improve information sharing
between troops, the host population, and its representatives, including women and children; facilitate
humanitarian access; and enhance planning and coordination of Mission responses.
n Joint Investigation Team. A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) primarily carries out joint investigations of human
rights violations, including CRSV. Joint investigations are conducted by in-Mission experts (usually
WPAs, Human Rights Officers and CPAs) with national judicial authorities, and, in some specific cases,
Military Observers and Company Commanders. The military component may also be required to provide
security and logistics support for the JIT. Joint investigations help to bring perpetrators to justice, foster
accountability, and end impunity for human rights violations, including CRSV.
Weapons-Reduction Programmes. Societies that have a culture of possessing weapons have accessible
means to commit violent acts, including CRSV. As weapons facilitate CRSV, improved arms control is an effective
means of reducing the prevalence and fear of CRSV. Measures to confiscate/reduce the proliferation of small
arms and light weapons in communities are crucial to curbing CRSV.
Cordon and Search Operations. Cordon and search operations may be undertaken for various purposes, in-
cluding to contain/apprehend perpetrators of CRSV, to confiscate weapons, or to liberate abductees exposed to
sexual violence.
Graduated Use of Force. United Nations military peacekeepers can apply graduated use of force as per the
ROEs once hostile intent is ascertained and the threat of CRSV is imminent.131
Extraction. Extraction is undertaken to extract, save, and release individuals who have been abducted and taken
hostage by perpetrators of CRSV. The safety of victims/survivors and harm mitigation measures must be given
due consideration in extraction operations.
131 In accordance with the mission’s specific ROEs and DUF and consistent with the United Nations DPKO/DFS Guidelines on the Use of
Force by Military Components in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (2017). Available at: http://dag.un.org/handle/11176/400571

Robust Military Operations. The military component is required to carry out coordinated, robust, highly mobile,
and versatile operations, including through the deployment of Force Reserves and Special Forces, to prevent a
CRSV threat from manifesting itself, to protect civilians, and to neutralize threats. Such operations will invariably
involve disarming and detaining perpetrators, protection of vulnerable populations, and extracting victims/survivors.
In specific circumstances, military peacekeepers may also be authorized to undertake operations to neutralize
armed groups and actors, including through the conduct of targeted offensive operations.
Safe Haven/Safe Corridors. IDPs and refugees are most vulnerable during movement and in temporary camps.
The military and police component may provide area security or protected corridors in United Nations’ designated
areas to ensure safe passage of displaced populations, in addition to protecting camps and safe areas where
refugees or IDPs have congregated.
3.2. PREVENTION AND RESPONSE BY THE POLICE COMPONENT TO CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL

VIOLENCE
The police component should, as far as possible, support protection efforts by the host-State police and other
law enforcement agencies, yet may act independently to protect civilians when the latter are deemed unable or
unwilling to do so, or where the host-State police, themselves, pose a threat to civilians, including in the context
of CRSV. If mandated to perform interim executive policing, UNPOL shall be directly responsible for the physical
protection of civilians against imminent threats of CRSV. Some measures to prevent and respond to CRSV include:
Force projection, high visibility operations, and increased patrolling. UNPOL conducts force projection, high
visibility operations, and increased patrolling when there are imminent threats. UNPOL also provides operational
and technical advice and support to host-State police on planning and conducting operations, amongst others. In
areas of chronic insecurity, UNPOL may deploy specialized teams, including joint protection teams, SGBV police
experts, or community-oriented policing teams with physical protection.
MINUSMA/Dicko
The police component of MINUSMA conducting a daily patrol to secure and engage with the civilian population in Menaka, extreme North East Mali.

UNPOL long-range patrols and physical presence in Central Mali
During 2019, the security situation in Central Mali deteriorated due to increased terrorist armed-group activity,
intercommunal clashes, and the development of self-defence militias. These dynamics have increased the
risks for human rights violations against the civilian population, including execution, abductions, and CRSV.
UNPOL Units, based in Mopti-Sevaré and Douentza, conduct long-range patrols with the Malian Security Forces
to hotspots to show a protective presence and maintain a liaison with the population. Meetings with commu-
nities, local authorities, customary leaders, and CSOs are held regularly to discuss security and protection
concerns. UNPOL also conducts regular outreach with local women and youth organizations and supports
their participation in early warning alert and response mechanisms for sexual-violence crimes. Female UNPOL
officers have played a key enabling and confidence-building role when interacting with these groups.
Arrest, detention, and search of perpetrators. Where explicitly authorized, UNPOL may have powers to arrest
alleged/confirmed perpetrators of CRSV and temporarily detain them.132 Any person detained by a United Nations
Peacekeeping Operation shall be handed over to the host-State authorities or released as soon as possible and,
in any case, within 96 hours of the time when first apprehended.133
Undertaking deterrence activities. Such activities can include high visibility patrols, aiding the military in moving
civilians out of harm’s way and conducting joint public-order management operations together with the host-
State police.
MINUSCA/Serefio
Zambian military peacekeepers engage with children while conducting a daily patrol in the North East region of CAR.
132 Where explicitly authorized by the Mission mandate, Mission-specific UNPOL DUF, Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs) and Status
of Mission Agreements (SOMAs), and in line with applicable international humanitarian, human rights, and refugee laws, norms, and
standards.
133 United Nations DPO/DPPA/DSS Standard Operating Procedures on Detention in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and Special
Political Missions (2020).

Collect, register, and preserve evidence. Where mandated, UNPOL collects, registers, and preserves evidence
of sexual violence, for subsequent criminal investigation and prosecution of alleged perpetrators at the national
or international level.
For more information on the role of the police component to support the host State on preventing and responding
to CRSV, see Chapter Ten of this Handbook.
3.3. STANDARD GUIDELINES ON CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE FOR UNIFORMED COMPONENTS

In all activities, the military and police components should adhere to the guidelines below.
3 DO X
DO NOT
n Be a ‘Role Model’: good conduct and discipline, representation n Do not interview the victim/survivor(s)
of female military and police peacekeepers, and be approachable. or investigate the incident (authorized
n Do No Harm and avoid collateral damage.
officials from the Human Rights
components will do so);
n Respect, assist, protect the victims/survivors and witnesses,
as required. n Do not follow up (it is the responsibility

of S/WPAs, Human Rights Officers,
n Respect and protect the dignity and confidentiality of victims/
and CPAs).
survivors.
n No action, such as informing local
n Obtain informed consent from the victim/survivor (on whom to
authorities, should be taken without
inform, which service provider should be approached, etc.).
coordination with S/WPAs and CPAs.
n Obtain necessary information for reporting of the incident (if
n Do not reveal identify of the victim/
possible and preserve evidence). Information that can prevent
further human rights violations and CRSV must be acted upon survivor(s) (maintain confidentiality
immediately. and anonymity – name, details of the
family, village, personal identification,
n Report through chain of command and immediately share
photos, etc. are not to be reflected
information with the nearest S/WPAs, Human Rights component, in reports).
CPAs.
n Victims/survivors of CRSV should
n Follow ‘Referral Arrangements’ for transfer and handover of
neither be photographed nor videoed.
the victim/survivor to the designated service provider.
n Follow detention procedures in handling perpetrators.
n When interacting with potential victim/survivors, assume sexual
violence has taken place.
n Follow ROE and principles of Use of Force. Ensure command
and control, restraint, and discretion.

9
CHAPTER 9:
Engagement for Commitments
with Parties to the Conflict to End
This chapter presents strategies and tools for United
n United Nations Security Council Resolution 1960 (2010).
Nations Field Missions to engage with State and
n United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR SRSG-SVC – Policy on United non-State parties to conflict to obtain commitments
Nations Field Missions: Preventing and Responding to Conflict- to prevent and respond to CRSV. It explains the type
of support and capacity building that Field Missions
n United Nations DPA – Guidance for Mediators: Addressing Con- should provide to accompany these parties in imple-
flict-Related Sexual Violence in Ceasefire and Peace Agreements menting commitments to end CRSV.
(2016).
n SRSG-SVC and UN Action – Provisional Guidance Note: Imple- GOALS
mentation of Security Council Resolution 1960 (2010) on Women,
To understand the different types of engagement
Peace and Security (Conflict-Related Sexual Violence) (2011).
with parties to the conflict and how to support the
n OHCHR – Manual on Human Rights Monitoring (2011). implementation of commitments to end CRSV.
n OCHA – Humanitarian Negotiations with Armed Groups: A Manual
for Practitioners (2006).
SECTION 1: ENGAGEMENT FOR COMMITMENTS WITH STATE AND NON-STATE PARTIES TO

CONFLICT
1.1. DEFINING ENGAGEMENT FOR COMMITMENTS
United Nations Field Missions are mandated to engage with State and non-State parties to conflict on CRSV as
part of Mission efforts to maintain international peace and security, end violent conflict, and achieve the peaceful
settlement of disputes. In situations where there are credible reports that CRSV is occurring or has already occurred,
these issues should be raised with parties, at the earliest opportunity, to discuss the immediate termination of
CRSV. CRSV can be raised as part of ongoing engagement with parties to conflict, in the context of ceasefire and
peace agreement mediation, or as a stand-alone issue for which unilateral or joint commitments on CRSV are sought.
Definition of engagement for commitments

Engagement refers to efforts to secure commitments to end CRSV, prevent its further perpetration, provide
justice for victims/survivors, and more broadly to end conflict and enhance compliance by State and non-
State actors with relevant international law and other normative frameworks on sexual violence. Engagement
never equals legitimization of the conduct or aspirations of parties to conflict. Likewise, non-engagement does
not equal political neutrality.
98 | Chapter 9: Engagement for Commitments with Parties to the Conflict to End CRSV
Engagement with State and non-State parties to conflict can be done through a variety of means, including through
dialogue and negotiation with leaders of parties to conflict, “quiet diplomacy” (i.e., diplomacy through quiet means
rather than publicly or with force), public interventions, and raising awareness on CRSV prevention and response
(see Chapter Six for more information on Advocacy, Raising Awareness, and Capacity Building). Engagement is
also conducted through monitoring and reporting on CRSV perpetrated by parties to conflict.
Engagement with parties to conflict can serve several objectives:

n To open a dialogue and build trust with parties to conflict;
n To obtain information and learn the underlying reasons/motives for perpetrating CRSV;
n To seek commitments on combatting CRSV and to prevent CRSV among all parties;
n To secure the issuance of command orders from leaders prohibiting sexual violence by their troops and
declaring that punitive measures will be taken against those who commit CRSV;
n To address accountability on sexual-violence crimes among the ranks of parties;
To train and sensitize parties on international legal ramifications, including for leaders through command
n
responsibility;
n Serve as a step in the de-listing process;
n To secure access to territories and populations and possibly establish a presence that can deter further CRSV.
All engagements with conflict parties must

be responsive to the political and security
context. Consultation between relevant
stakeholders at the Headquarters and field
levels should take place in advance of any
decision to engage with parties to conflict.
Decisions for engagement, and plans for
how to do so, must be made in adherence
to several guiding principles. This includes
“do no harm” and the protection of victims/
survivors and individuals at most risk of
CRSV; consideration of the differentiated
UN Photo/Jones
needs and experiences of victims/survivors;
coordination between all actors engaging
with parties to conflict; the principles of
objectivity, transparency, impartiality, and
SRSG-SVC Zainab Bangura visits IDP camps and women’s shelters in Mogadishu,
confidentiality; and responsiveness to the Somalia.
political and security context. When decid-
ing on whether to engage with a party to conflict, United Nations Field Missions should assess and review
regularly the reasons why engagement would be a necessary element of addressing CRSV.
While consistency and coherence of approach must be pursued to the fullest extent possible within each Field
Mission context, it is essential to acknowledge the diversity of situations, mandates and priorities, faced by Field
Missions which may result in the need for distinct approaches and courses of action. Senior Mission leadership
must be informed of all engagements with parties to conflict by Field Mission personnel.
Chapter 9: Engagement for Commitments with Parties to the Conflict to End CRSV | 99
1.2. LISTING AND DE-LISTING AS NEGOTIATION TOOLS FOR ENGAGEMENT
The listing and de-listing of parties to conflict from the Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Sexual Violence in
Conflict and United Nations Sanctions list are part of a spectrum of incentives to motivate armed actors to make
commitments to prevent and respond to CRSV.
Definition of “listing”
“Listing” refers to the list of names of parties credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for rape
and other forms of sexual violence in the Annex of the Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Sexual Violence
in Conflict. Listing was mandated in UNSCR 1960. It serves as a “naming and shaming” advocacy tool with
parties to conflict. A similar mechanism exists for parties responsible for grave violations against children.
Moreover, individuals responsible for CRSV may also be listed for sanctions. United Nations Sanctions com-
mittees can decide to apply targeted sanctions against those who perpetrate and direct CRSV.
A party will be de-listed from the Annex of the Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Sexual Violence in Conflict
on condition that there is United Nations-verified information that it has ceased commission of the patterns of
CRSV for which the party is listed for a period of at least one reporting cycle. When considering de-listing, the
Secretary-General also takes into consideration the implementation by parties of commitments to prevent sexual
violence. The SRSG-SVC, on behalf of the Secretary-General and in consultation with United Nations system part-
ners, makes the final recommendation on the listing and de-listing of parties.134
Other advocacy tools when negotiating with parties to conflict are economic sanctions or arms embargoes. Such a
negotiation strategy is, however, a complex area to manage and align as the authority to de-list or to lift sanctions
does not rest with the United Nations Secretariat but with the United Nations Sanctions committees.
1.3. MEDIATION PROCESSES AND PROVISIONS IN CEASEFIRE AND PEACE AGREEMENTS

CRSV should be addressed at the outset of any political mediation process and in mediation strategies, under the
authority of the senior leadership of Field Missions. In situations where CRSV has been committed or is suspected
to have been committed, United Nations mediators are obliged to introduce the subject in discussions with parties.
At a minimum, sexual violence should be included within the definition of the ceasefire and detailed in provisions
for ceasefire monitoring, including any relevant annexes. Acts of sexual violence in violation of ceasefire or peace
agreements must be addressed consistently with any other violations of the agreement. Addressing CRSV in this
way can increase the durability of peace by mitigating security concerns and improving transparency, accountability,
and confidence among parties.
CRSV provisions should, as necessary and appropriate,

be included in peace agreements in the following sections:
n Preamble (CRSV recognized as a prohibited act); n Provisions on monitoring and verification;

n Definitions and/or principles of a ceasefire; n Provisions on post-conflict justice and
n Sections on freedom of movement; reconciliation; and
n Provisions on security arrangements; n Relevant annexes.
134 OSRSG-SVC and UN Action – Provisional Guidance Note: Implementation of Security Council Resolution 1960 (2010) on Women,
Peace and Security (Conflict-Related Sexual Violence) (2011). Available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4e23ed5d2.html
A checklist has been developed to provide guidance to mediators and mediation teams for addressing CRSV as
part of the overall mediation strategy and in consultation with relevant components and dedicated staff in-Mission.
A short version is included below.135
Checklist for addressing CRSV

in the stages of mediation:
During ongoing Hostilities and at the Beginning of a Mediation Process:

n Assess whether there are credible reports of CRSV that may be occurring or may have occurred.
n Actively seek to engage parties to discuss the immediate termination of CRSV, in discussion of
other violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

n Ensure consultation with and inclusion of women and gender experts, as well as identified
Human Rights focal points, in the process and as part of the mediation team.
Drafting and Negotiating Ceasefire and Peace Agreements:

Essential Agreement Provisions should ensure:
Sexual violence is included as a prohibited act, especially in the definition or principles of a
n
ceasefire agreement.
n Monitoring for sexual violence is included in ceasefire agreements, including in relevant annexes.
n Recognition of sexual violence used in conflict as a method and tactic of warfare, as applicable.
Amnesties for crimes under international law are prohibited, and arrangements for transitional
n
justice are included, particularly prosecution, reparations, and truth-seeking bodies.

Provisions for Security Arrangements should ensure:
n Command and control structures and codes of conduct for security actors prohibit CRSV and
punish misconduct.
n Individuals credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for CRSV are excluded from
participation or integration into government and the national security system, including armed
forces, police, intelligence services, and the national guard, as well as civilian oversight and
control mechanisms and other similar entities.
n Early, voluntary release and/or registration of those abducted, coerced, or forcibly recruited from
within the ranks of armed forces or groups.

n Security Sector institutions are mandated to combat CRSV and training is provided to develop
military, police, and other law enforcement capabilities to respond to it, including for military police.
Provisions for Justice and Reparations should ensure:
n Amnesties for crimes under international law are prohibited.
Provisions for transitional justice processes address issues of CRSV with equal priority to other
n
international crimes.
n Provisions for transitional justice mechanisms incorporate specific reference to CRSV; include
measures to protect the security and dignity of victims/survivors and witnesses; and include
women and gender experts in its design and oversight.
n Provisions for reparations and relief, including for victims/survivors of CRSV.
135 For further information, please refer to the United Nations DPA Guidance for Mediators: Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
in Ceasefire and Peace Agreements (2012). Available at: https://peacemaker.un.org/sites/peacemaker.un.org/files/GuidanceAdressing
ConflictRelatedSexualViolence_UNDPA%28english%29_0.pdf.
CRSV Provisions in the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in CAR
In February 2019, the Government of CAR and armed groups signed a Political Agreement for Peace and Rec-
onciliation. The document contains several provisions on human rights, including sexual violence. In Article 5
of the Agreement, the armed groups committed, among other points, to refrain from engaging in “violations
committed against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence, in particular against women and
girls”. In the annex outlining the implementation of the cessation of hostilities and temporary security arrange-
ments, the parties agree that this immediate, complete, and irrevocable cessation of hostilities commits them
to refrain from “any act of violence against women and girls, or of sexual or gender-based violence”.
1.4. ENGAGEMENT FOR SPECIFIC AND TIME-BOUND COMMITMENTS WITH PARTIES TO CONFLICT
1.4.1. The Process of Engagement for Specific and Time-Bound Commitments
The United Nations has a specific mandate to engage with parties to conflict to make and implement specific and
time-bound commitments to combat sexual violence.136 Field Missions, acting under the authority of senior Mission
leadership, should engage in a dialogue with parties to elicit formal commitments from their leaders on preventing
and addressing CRSV in accordance with their international obligations.137 Depending on the context, Field
Missions may support or lead this process of engagement while ensuring it is fully integrated into wider Mission
political and advocacy strategies.
Following political-level engagement and obtaining commitments on CRSV from parties, relevant components of
Field Missions and UNCT must support parties to conflict in the design and implementation of an operational plan to
implement these commitments. This can be done through capacity building, provision of support, and tailored training.
Field Missions should moreover monitor ongoingly parties’ implementation of their commitments to end CRSV.
UNAMI/PIO and UNFPA
SRSG-SVC Pramila Patten concludes a visit to Iraq and stresses the need to do more to protect and support victims/survivors of Daesh’s sexual
violence crimes.
136 In UNSCR 1960, the Security Council “calls upon parties to armed conflict to make and implement specific and time-bound commit-
ments to combat sexual violence”. It also encourages the Secretary-General to list parties to armed conflict “credibly suspected of
committing or being responsible for” acts of CRSV, including to use it “as a basis for more focused United Nations Engagement with
those parties”.
Related Sexual Violence” (2020), para D2. Para 16i.
Engagement is a process conducted over time. Building trust and securing commitments to end CRSV should
be viewed as political level engagement, and the first stage towards prevention. The second stage is a technical-
level engagement in which parties to conflict put in place an operational plan to implement their commitments.
The operational plan must include a clearly defined timeframe; detail the practical arrangements to be put in
place by the party to implement commitments; ensure the provision of verifiable information regarding measures
taken to ensure the accountability of perpetrators; and specify an agreed means of cooperation between the
party and the United Nations. Such engagement should take into consideration the security and protection of
victims and witnesses.
OSRSG-SVC and UN Action – Provisional Guidance Note: Implementation of Security Council Resolution 1960 (2010) on Women,
Peace and Security (Conflict-Related Sexual Violence) (2011).
1.4.2. Unilateral and Joint Communiqués on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

United Nations Field Missions, with the support of the SRSG-SVC support parties to the conflict in formalizing
their commitments to end CRSV through the development and signing of tailored Unilateral Communiqués with
specific parties. Field Missions also support the signing of Joint Communiqués between the host government and
the United Nations system. Unilateral and Joint Communiqués usually outline several critical areas of cooperation
between the party and the United Nations such as:
(i) The fight against impunity through justice and accountability, including ensuring access to restorative
justice, which includes reparations and redress;
(ii) A holistic and survivor-centred and gender-sensitive approach in service provision and recognition that
victims/survivors are not a homogeneous group and therefore require tailored services to meet their needs;
(iii) The strengthening of women’s meaningful and effective participation in decision-making positions and in
effective participation in the negotiation or implementation of peace accords; and
(iv) The enhanced engagement with civil society and religious and traditional leaders as a means of prevention
and to shift harmful gender stereotypes, such as stigmatization and victim/survivor-blaming.
To serve as example, the Joint Communiqué between the United Nations and the Central African Republic (2019)
is available in Annex 7 of this Handbook.
Commitments on CRSV by the Iraq Government

In Iraq, after the signature of the Joint Communiqué between the United Nations and the government in 2016,
the Federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq appointed high-level focal points to coordi-
nate the government response to CRSV perpetrated by ISIL (Da’esh). These high-level focal points have man-
dates to develop action plans at the federal and regional levels to address CRSV perpetrated by ISIL (Da’esh),
and to address its causes and consequences.
Engagement by MINUSMA for the signing of the Joint Communiqué
In March 2019, following more than three years of advocacy and engagement on CRSV, the Government of
Mali and the United Nations signed a Joint Communiqué on preventing and responding to CRSV in Mali. The
Joint Communiqué affirms the commitment of the Malian Government to end CRSV and address impunity.
It supports the creation of an action plan to address CRSV; this may attract funding for new GBV support
programmes.
The process gained momentum when the SRSG-SVC visited Mali in 2016 to meet with Government represen-
tatives, non-State armed groups, religious leaders, and victims/survivors of CRSV. At the end of this visit, the
Malian authorities and MINUSMA agreed to start working on a joint statement to address CRSV.
Starting in 2016, the senior Mission leadership of MINUSMA engaged with the President of Mali, as well as
the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Minister of Gender and Women’s Rights,
and the Minister of Religious Affairs to reiterate the commitment to address CRSV and encourage the signing
of the Joint Communiqué.
Simultaneously, S/WPAs engaged with government representatives at the technical level. Together, they
organized meetings and a workshop with focal points of each Ministry involved, which aimed to ensure their
understanding of the CRSV mandate and stressing the need for national commitment through the signing of
the Joint Communiqué.
S/WPAs parallelly engaged with donors, diplomatic missions, CSOs, local leaders, and non-State armed
groups to emphasize the importance of the signature of the Joint Communiqué to reinforce existing efforts to
address CRSV. High-level meetings were held with religious leaders and members of the National Parliament.
Coordination mechanisms, such as the GBV sub-Cluster, were used for awareness raising.
The SWPA also engaged with the Security Council Informal Expert’s Group to include recommendations to the
Malian Government related to the signing of the Joint Communiqué. During the visit of the Security Council to
Mali, the SWPA facilitated a meeting with women leaders who raised the signing of the Joint Communiqué as
a tool to enhance support and services for victims/survivors.
Within the Mission, S/WPAs sought support from different sections, including the Political Affairs Division and
Mediation and Heads of Offices, who provided advice to the SWPA on engagement with the Malian Parliament
and non-State actors.
1.5. ENGAGING WITH NON-STATE ARMED GROUPS

Decisions on whether and how to engage non-State armed groups should be determined on a case-by-case basis,
informed by comprehensive gender-sensitive political and conflict analysis, consideration of benefits and risks,
and coordinated between relevant parts of the United Nations system, and under the authority of senior Mission
leadership.
While political engagements with armed groups often take the form of quiet diplomacy, such engagements should
be carried out in a transparent manner, to the extent possible, so that concerned States, non-State armed groups,
and civilians are aware of the work of the Mission and the priorities being pursued. Transparent engagement should
be exercised with good judgement and balanced against confidentiality and security considerations for victims/
survivors and other political considerations including conflict dynamics on the ground, ongoing ceasefire or peace
negotiations, and the need for life-saving humanitarian action.
In all engagements with armed groups, efforts must be made to ensure that such activities do not give the impression
that the United Nations condone or legitimize any armed group. This can be avoided by, for example, focusing
on the protection needs of communities that the armed group ‘reportedly’ represents. Care must also be taken to
ensure dialogue or consultations with parties to conflict do not undermine efforts to support the restoration and
extension of State authority, or the establishment of democratic State institutions.
Important steps of the engagement process

with non-State armed groups:
Mission leadership and the SWPA should carry out the following activities, jointly with the relevant components
and sections of Missions (JMAC, Senior CPA, Senior POC Advisor, FHQ MGPA, Civil Affairs, etc.), when engag-
ing with non-State armed groups on CRSV:
n Map out all actors and parties to the conflict, as well as their respective ties;
n Analyse trends of CRSV by parties to the conflict, including their motives and modus operandi;
n Use information from the MARA, internal reports, and Annexes of Secretary General’s reports as the basis
for tracking trends and implementation of commitments over time;
n Analyse risks and benefits of engagement as part of a comprehensive context-specific gender-sensitive
conflict or political analysis, including the security of field staff and victims/survivors as well as the
population/local community in general;
n Decide which parties to engage and establish modalities, roles, and responsibilities;
n Engage with the highest-ranking leader available;
n Clearly define objectives of the engagement and pursue them;
n Continuously monitor, assess, and analyse whether engagement, once established, should be continued,
modified, or discontinued; and
n Regularly consult with and communicate commitments and progress made to the OSRSG-SVC to ensure
mutually reinforcing engagement efforts.

Important: Always beware of security imperatives and do not break protocols.
Engagement with non-State actors by MINUSMA

In March 2013, the Mouvement National de Liberation de l’Azawad (MNLA), one of the armed parties of the
conflict in Mali, was listed in the Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Sexual Violence in Conflict. The SWPA
in MINUSMA initiated dialogue with MNLA leadership and the Coordination des Mouvements de l’Azawad
(CMA), a signatory of the Malian Peace Agreement that represents a coalition of three armed groups, including
MNLA. MINUSMA subsequently organized several workshops with CMA military and political leaders to ex-
plain the implications of the “listing” and expected steps for “de-listing” and drafting a Unilateral Communiqué
on CRSV.
In July 2017, following these engagement efforts, a Unilateral Communiqué was signed by the head of CMA
and endorsed by the leaders of its three member groups. In 2018, this led to the SWPA-supported develop-
ment of an implementation plan with CMA leadership and member groups to translate the commitments from
the Unilateral Communiqué into specific activities.
Based on these results, the SWPA launched a dialogue for commitment on CRSV with another signatory of
the Malian Peace Agreement listed in the Secretary-General’s Annual Report, Platforme. This group signed a
Unilateral Communiqué just one year later.
1.6. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT FOR COMMITMENTS
1.6.1. Senior Mission Leadership and the Senior Women’s Protection Advisors
The SRSG/HOM, with the support of the SWPA, is responsible for engaging in dialogue with State and non-State
actors, soliciting their commitment to countering CRSV, and ensuring that inaction, impunity, and other obstacles
are identified and addressed.138 In contexts where CRSV is credibly suspected of being perpetrated, senior Mission
leadership must raise and seek commitments on CRSV in the context of ceasefire and peace agreement mediation
efforts. Senior Mission leadership should also use their good office functions to tackle CRSV from a political
perspective and to conduct advocacy as part of a strategy of engagement with the host State and parties to
conflict. Political engagement should be pursued at both strategic and operational levels, as appropriate. Senior
officials, including the SWPA, should also, where feasible, monitor and report on the implementation of commitments
in the context of conflict resolution and accountability efforts.
Under the authority of the SRSG/HOM, the SWPA should engage in dialogue with parties to conflict to secure
CRSV commitments and support their implementation. The SWPA must have the political and operational space
needed to engage on CRSV with relevant United Nations and non-United Nations counterparts.139 The MARA
Working Group should provide technical support, as appropriate, for the implementation of the commitments.
S/WPAs should provide timely advice to Mission leadership and other relevant Mission components on how best
to engage parties on CRSV and coordinate engagement efforts with relevant Mission components and United
Nations entities, building on ongoing advocacy and negotiation strategies.
Engagement with parties to conflict may also be supported by the OSRSG-SVC, which provides political and
technical support, strategic advice and guidance on negotiating CRSV commitments, including to cease all acts
of sexual violence and foster compliance. Such engagement is usually pursued in the context of Joint or Unilateral
Communiqués with specific parties to conflict.
Any contact with non-State actors who are parties to conflict represents opportunities to convey key messages on
CRSV and to encourage these parties to comply with international law. Where there is no State authority, the Head
of the Military component may for example, ensure that concerns are raised with the command and control of the
de facto authorities.
Examples of advocacy messages when

engaging for commitments on CRSV
United Nations Field Missions should encourage parties to commit to the following:
n Cessation of all acts of sexual violence;
n Issuance of clear orders, through chains of command, prohibiting sexual violence and ensuring
accountability for breaching these orders;
n The prohibition of sexual violence in internal Codes of Conduct, and, in the case of State authorities,
in military and police manuals or equivalent;
n Timely investigation of alleged abuses in order to hold perpetrators accountable, in accordance with
relevant human rights standards;
Related Sexual Violence” (2020), D3, Para 19
n All relevant parties to armed conflict shall cooperate in the framework of such commitments, with
appropriate United Nations Mission personnel who monitor their implementation;
n Parties designate, as appropriate, a high-level representative responsible for ensuring implementation
of such commitments;
n In the case of State authorities, include the full range of sexual-violence crimes in national penal legislation
to enable prosecution for such crimes.
1.6.2. Mission Coordinated Engagement with Parties to Conflict

Parties to conflict credibly suspected of being responsible for acts of CRSV may often also be suspected of perpe-
trating other serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law and violations against children
in armed conflict. Engagement with such parties by United Nations Field Mission personnel should be coordinated
alongside the Mission’s efforts to tackle other serious violations committed by the same parties to prevent and
respond to CRSV in a coherent and holistic manner.
The senior Mission leadership and the SWPA will ensure that engagement for commitments with parties to conflict
are addressed in a coordinated manner so that messaging to concerned parties is harmonized and consistent. An
engagement strategy with parties to armed conflict on CRSV must be designed and conducted based on analysis
and recommendations provided by MARA Working Group members, including JMAC, Senior/CPAs, and focal
points from military and police components.140 Engagement must be conducted with all parties, not only those
listed in the Secretary-General’s Annual Report on Sexual Violence in Conflict.141
The Mission should also ensure internal and external coordination when supporting the implementation of commit-
ments taken by parties to conflict. Such coordination should be carried out with members of the MARA Working
Group, including Senior/CPAs, the Political Affairs section, Human Rights component, Civil Affairs section, SSR,
DDR, JCS, and the police and military components, as well as members of the UNCT.
Once commitments on CRSV are obtained, they should be addressed through the broader framework of pre-
vention and accountability through the SSR, DDR, and justice Sectors, as well as promoting gender equality and
eradication of gender discrimination.
SECTION 2: SUPPORT TO STATE AND NON-STATE PARTIES TO ADDRESS CONFLICT-RELATED

SEXUAL VIOLENCE
2.1. NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE
A coordinated multi-sectoral response to CRSV with the host State, UNCT, humanitarian and development partners,
and civil society is fundamental to prevent and respond to CRSV. United Nations entities should support the
development of Comprehensive National Strategies to combat SGBV and promote their harmonized application.
Comprehensive National Strategies are developed and implemented with the support of UN Action and should be
implemented in complementarity with Joint Communiqués on CRSV and other national action plans on WPS.142
140 The aim of the MARA is to develop information on parties to conflict responsible for CRSV, to develop strategies for engagement, and
to seek to influence the conduct of both State and non-State parties. For further information on the MARA, see “Chapter Seven: Monitoring,
Analysis and Reporting on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” of this Handbook.
142 In paragraph 23 of UNSCR 1888 (2009), the Security Council calls for the development of joint Government-United Nations compre-
hensive strategies to combat sexual violence. UN Action provides strategic support to United Nations missions to help them develop
such strategies, which establish a common foundation for the Organization’s response to prevent gaps and overlaps.
Comprehensive Strategies enhance the effectiveness of United Nations interventions on CRSV through
strengthened coordination and the development of common goals. The development of Comprehensive
Strategies encourages a holistic focus on prevention, security, human rights, and protection and has increased
the attention paid to CRSV by the United Nations system, international partners, governments, and the
general public.
United Nations Field Missions should ensure that CRSV is addressed in National Comprehensive Strategies on
SGBV as a peace and security issue and in a gender-sensitive manner with the aim to develop professional and
sustainable institutions that are accountable to women, men, girls, and boys. CRSV should be mainstreamed
across all Sectors and levels of the host State.143 Commitments made in National Comprehensive Strategies should
be systematically institutionalized through SSR and justice Sector reforms.
The Comprehensive Strategy on Combating Sexual Violence in DRC

The Comprehensive Strategy on Combating Sexual Violence in DRC was launched in 2009 to strengthen pre-
vention, protection, and response to sexual violence with a multi-sectoral and comprehensive approach. It is
a common framework and platform for action with designated roles, responsibilities, timelines, and activities
for all the parties involved. The Comprehensive Strategy was developed in consultation with relevant United
Nations entities, MONUC (MONUSCO since 2010), international NGOs, the DRC-based Sexual Violence Task
Force, and several Ministries of the DRC Government (Justice, Defence, Interior, Gender and Health). The
Strategy is structured around four pillars — combating impunity; prevention and protection; security Sector
reform; and multi-sectoral assistance for survivors — with a cross-cutting component on data and mapping.
An action plan to operationalize the Strategy was developed and subsequently integrated in the Government
of DRC’s National Strategy Against Gender Based Violence.
2.2. BUILDING CAPACITY AND TRAINING OF PARTIES TO CONFLICT TO ADDRESS CONFLICT-RELATED

SEXUAL VIOLENCE
United Nations Field Missions assist the host government to uphold its responsibility to prevent and ensure a timely
response to incidents of CRSV crimes by supporting SSR, including capacity building to address CRSV.
Field Missions should facilitate gender-sensitive training programmes to prevent and respond to CRSV for the
national security forces (police and military) and judiciary aiming to promote professional and accountable security,
defence, and justice sectors. To ensure sustainability, such training programmes should be institutionalized
throughout the reform of these sectors and include training on the prohibition of security forces’ committing CRSV,
as well as activities to strengthen prevention and accountability in this regard. Field Missions must ensure these
activities are conducted in a coordinated and integrated way, under the overall guidance of S/WPAs.
Field Missions may also provide capacity building and training to non-State parties to conflict responsible for CRSV
following political-level engagement for commitments in the context of operational plans to implement commit-
ments. Unilateral and Joint Communiqués on CRSV may serve as a basis for such operational plans on CRSV.
143 United Nations Field Missions may support the host State with facilitating and supporting coordination at the national, provincial, and
local levels and capacity development within the health, social welfare, and justice, and security sectors to respond effectively to CRSV.
Support by United Nations Field Missions may also include legislative assistance, technical guidance, and support to legal reforms
for prosecution, provision of reparations, strengthening services for victims/survivors including health care, psychosocial support, legal
assistance, livelihood support, and socio-economic reintegration.
The SWPA of UNMISS facilitates the
launch of the SSPDF Action Plan to
address CRSV, in an event bringing
the military and civil society
together for a dialogue.
UNMISS /Kanalstein
Sensitization and training sessions to non-State armed groups by MINUSCA
MINUSCA regularly engages with parties to conflict who signed the Political Agreement for Peace and Rec-
onciliation in CAR. Field Offices, including the Human Rights component, organize sensitizations and training
sessions for external partners, including elements of armed groups, on the international criminal character of
CRSV and command responsibility.
2.3. COORDINATION AND PROVISION OF SUPPORT TO HOST STATE SECURITY FORCES BY UNIFORMED
COMPONENTS
2.3.1. Support by the Military Component to the Host State
In United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, the military component may be mandated to support the host-State
security forces to conduct legitimate operations as part of enhancing safety and security, protection of civilians,
and to extend State authority. The risk that human rights violations, including CRSV, may be committed by these
forces must be minimized and any support must therefore be provided in conformity with the Human Rights Due
Diligence Policy (HRDDP).144 The Force Commander and the Force Headquarters should engage the top leadership
of the host-State security forces or defence establishment in furtherance of the Peacekeeping Operation’s mandate
and in conformity with the Mission Concept. The military component should, moreover, liaise and coordinate,
among others, the following activities:
n Provision of a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for civilians;
n Information sharing regarding CRSV hotspots and threats;
n Direct communication for early warning and coordination;
144 United Nations Human Rights Due Diligence Policy on “United Nations Support to Non-United Nations Security Forces: Guidance
Note and Text of the Policy” (2015). Available at: https://unsdg.un.org/resources/guidance-note-human-rights-due-diligence-
policy-un-support-non-united-nations-security
n Conduct of joint planning in the context of preventing or responding to CRSV;
n Conduct of joint training and rehearsals, in the context of preventing or responding to CRSV; and
n Conduct joint operations in the context of preventing or responding to CRSV.
2.3.2. Support by the Police Component to the Host State

The national police and other law enforcement actors have the primary responsibility to enforce rule of law and
maintain law and order in the country. In most peacekeeping missions, UNPOL components are, however, man-
dated to build the capacity of the host-State police and other law enforcement agencies, in line with the Strategic
Guidance Framework for international policing and its relevant guidelines and manuals.145 In such cases, UNPOL
supports national police forces to be more responsive and accountable to prevent sexual violence by their own
personnel and to take proactive steps to end impunity for CRSV.
UNPOL has a crucial role in building the capacity of the host-State police in preventing and investigating CRSV
through a comprehensive set of measures. These may include assisting in the development of policies, SOPs,
and training curricula; delivering specialized police investigation courses, including on CRSV, with the assistance
of S/WPAs and Human Rights components; and setting up preventive mechanisms through community-oriented
policing. In addition, the police component should address CRSV in their mentoring, training, and peer-to-peer
advocacy.146
Where mandated and authorized, a specialized UNPOL team dedicated to addressing SGBV, including CRSV,
should support the capacity development of the national police service. Through the provision of support to establish
or reform the national police institution, UNPOL, in close collaboration with the S/WPAs and Human Rights com-
ponents, should ensure due attention to CRSV with a view to building the capacity of national police officers to
understand the nature of CRSV crimes and to respond to them accordingly.147
UNPOL support to the host-State capacity development should equally focus on the five core areas of policing,
namely policy formulation, stakeholder engagement, policing services, enabling services, and accountability
mechanisms. Utilizing this as a basis, UNPOL should support the host-State police in the following areas:
Operational support: UNPOL provides operational support to the host-State police to ensure physical protection
of civilians through advice on planning and conducting operations and investigations into incidents. UNPOL also
provides joint patrols in high-risk areas.
Assessment and planning: This includes the different security needs and vulnerabilities of women, men, girls,
and boys related to SGBV/CRSV, during police assessment and planning processes.148 Tailored joint planning and
planning support can be granted to the host-State police and security forces.
Criminal information analysis: Assist the host-State police and the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in
providing criminal information analysis that is aimed to prevent, deter, or mitigate SGBV/CRSV threats to civilians.
This includes identifying high-risk areas and vulnerable groups.
145 DPKO/DFS Policy on “United Nations Police in Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions” (2014); DPKO/DFS Guide-
lines for Police Capacity-Building and Development in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions (2015)
and DPKO Manual on Police Monitoring, Mentoring and Advising in Peace Operations (2017).
Related Sexual Violence” (2020).
Related Sexual Violence” (2020).
148 The Standing Police Capacity assists in the fulfillment of the strategic mission of UNPOL by providing rapidly deployable, effective, and
coherent policing expertise to peace operations, post-conflict and other crisis situations. The Standing Police Capacity has undertaken
an assessment of SGBV crimes in the protection of civilian sites in South Sudan in support of a project implemented by an UNPOL
Specialized SGBV Team.
In Bentiu, South Sudan, SSPDF troops
UN Photo/ Mategwa
participate in a three-day workshop
training organized by UNMISS to enhance
prevention, response and greater
accountability for CRSV crimes.
Community engagement: Assist the host-State police in engaging with communities, through patrols, regular
forums (including female-only community forums), problem-solving approaches, and outreach programmes aimed
jointly to identify SGBV/CRSV threats and solutions for preventive measures while applying the “do no harm” principle.
Provision of security-related public information: Assist the host-State police in providing security-related public
information and contribute to public-awareness to prevent SGBV/CRSV in coordination with relevant public-informa-
tion partners in-Mission. Encourage, support, and publicize the activation of police hotlines to report SGBV/
CRSV cases.
Policy and SOPs on SGBV investigation: Assist the host-State police in developing, implementing, monitoring,
and evaluating a policy and SOPs on the investigation of SGBV cases, including CRSV.
SGBV prevention strategy and action plan: Assist the host-State police in developing, implementing, monitoring,
and evaluating a strategy and action plan to prevent SGBV crimes, including CRSV.
Specialized SGBV police Units/one-stop centres: Assist the host-State police in setting up specialized SGBV
police Units or one-stop centres that are staffed with trained investigators and equipped to investigate, respond,
counsel, and refer victims/survivors of SGBV/CRSV to support services.149
Standardized training on SGBV investigation: Assist the host-State police in developing and rolling out a
standardized training curriculum to UNPOL and host-State police trainers, investigators, and senior police leader-
ship officers on SGBV investigation and management according to an agreed SOPs.
Victim/survivor support referral system: Assist the host-State police in establishing victim/survivor referral
systems in collaboration with relevant Peacekeeping Operation sections, entities, governmental authorities, inter-
national and national NGOs, and UNCT members.
SGBV crimes database: Assist the host-State police in creating a SGBV crime database to ensure reliable
information on SGBV cases, including CRSV.
Mentoring of host-State police: Establish co-locations to enable mentoring of host-State police officers on the
investigation and management of SGBV/CRSV cases, as well as on community-oriented policing approaches.
Police oversight mechanisms: Assist the host State in establishing police oversight and accountability mechan-
isms that include community feedback on police performance on SGBV prevention, including CRSV.
149 For further details, see “Chapter Ten: Ending Impunity for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” of this Handbook.
CA SE S T U D Y
Engagement Strategy with Parties to Conflict

A pragmatic approach to prevent conflict-related sexual violence and ensure accountability
South Sudan
UNMISS documented that the South Sudan’s People’s Defense

Forces (SSPDF) and the pro-Riek Machar Sudan’s People
Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) committed
rapes and sexual slavery as part of indiscriminate
Background attacks against civilians. These parties are responsible
for the largest number of incidents of CRSV in South Sudan
in 2018. Both groups are listed in the UN Secretary General’s
Annual Report on Sexual Violence in Conflict for the widespread
and systematic use of sexual violence as a tactic of war.
UNMISS developed a pragmatic engagement strategy with the SSPDF, SPLA-IO, and
other non-state actors to promote compliance with international laws protecting civilians
Development of against CRSV and foster behavioural and institutional change. Ongoing dialogue and
an Engagement advocacy — led by the WPAs in tight coordination with the UNCT and the OSRSG-SVC
Strategy — resulted in formal commitments by the SSPDF and SPLA-IO leaderships to prevent
CRSV and ensure accountability within their ranks. UNMISS provided technical support
and capacity building to ensure the operationalization of these commitments.
Following high-level dialogue with the SWPA, the

Government of South Sudan launched, in March 2019,
Formal the SSPDF Action Plan on Addressing CRSV. The Action
UN Photo/UNMISS
Commitments Plan commits SSPDF to implement concrete and time-
to End CRSV: bound measures focused on prevention, accountability,
SSPDF and the protection of victims, witnesses, and judicial
actors. Senior Government officials reiterated a zero-
tolerance policy on CRSV during the launch ceremony.
Following engagement by UNMISS, in February 2019, the SPLA-IO leader, Riek Machar,
issued a command order on the absolute prohibition to engage in or condone acts of
CRSV and called for internal accountability and disciplinary measures against perpetrators.
Formal In June 2019, the group’s leadership endorsed the SPLA-IO Action Plan on CRSV
Commitments developed with the technical support of the SWPA and OSRSG-SVC through a series of
to End CRSV: workshops. The plan includes concrete measures to be implemented over a period of
SPLA-IO one year, including training and enhanced collaboration with judicial authorities.
Through additional orders in June 2019, the SPLA-IO leadership established two ad hoc
committees mandated to investigate alleged CRSV and human rights abuses committed
in Western and Central Equatoria since 2018, which were documented by UNMISS.
In 2019, UNMISS supported a series of activities relating
to the operationalization of the SSPDF Action Plan on
CRSV, including 20 workshops to more than 650 uniformed
UN Photo/UNMISS
Operational-
ization of personnel. Nearly 200 SSPDF elements signed a formal
Commitments undertaking to fight against CRSV.
UNMISS also facilitated training across the country for 150
SPLA-IO elements, most of whom were senior officers.
The SWPA initiated negotiations with field commanders of SPLA-IO in April 2019 for
the release of kidnapped women and girls held in SPLA-IO bases in Western Equatoria,
Negotiating
including survivors of sexual violence. In June 2019, the SWPA was formally granted
the Release of
unfettered access in SPLA-IO camps to conduct private interviews with women and
CRSV Survivors
girls. As a result of consistent engagement, in July 2019, the leader of SPLA-IO, Riek
with SPLA-IO
Machar, issued a command order to his commanders to release unconditionally women
and girls to UNMISS and UNICEF.
Considering the significant protection issues that survivors of CRSV and forcibly
recruited women and girls may face following their release, UNMISS liaised with relevant
Tackling
humanitarian and development actors to ensure their possible access to safe spaces
Protection and livelihood support. Moreover, UNMISS engaged with the South Sudan Council
Challenges of Churches to leverage the influence of religious leaders and promote a protective
Faced by environment. On 19 June 2019, the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual
Survivors Violence in Conflict, the South Sudan Council of Churches issued a statement to
denounce CRSV and the stigma endured by survivors.
The commitments taken by the SSPDF and SPLA-IO leadership signal a stronger political
will to strengthen prevention and accountability for CRSV in South Sudan. Since the
Key beginning of 2019, UNMISS has reported a decline in CRSV cases, which is consistent
Outcomes with an overall decrease in political violence in the country. Despite the challenges of
holding perpetrators accountable, there were more trials and convictions for sexual-
violence crimes in 2019 in comparison to previous years.
CRSV continues to be perpetrated by fighting forces in South Sudan. Weak chains of

command remain a key challenge as the signing of commitments by leaders does not
necessarily translate into adherence and behaviour change at various levels. High surveillance
Challenges
of activists and service providers by armed groups discourages many survivors from pur-
suing their cases through national judicial institutions. Moreover, these are often perceived
as weak and partial. Very few cases reach the formal justice system and impunity prevails.
1. The prioritization and focus of Mission efforts and resources on two parties listed
in the Secretary General’s Annual Report on CRSV;
2. The establishment of dialogue and ongoing communication between UNMISS and
Key Elements the leadership of these parties;
of Success 3. The integrated approach with participation of UNMISS, the UNCT in South Sudan,
and the OSRSG-SVC; and
4. A survivor-centred approach that takes into account survivors’ protection concerns
and access to assistance services.
10
CHAPTER 10:
Ending Impunity
for Conflict-Related
Sexual Violence
This chapter highlights the importance of the fight against im-
n United Nations DPKO/DFS – Policy on Justice Support
punity as part of efforts to prevent and respond to CRSV. It
in United Nations Peace Operations (2016).
presents how civilian, military, and police components of United
n OHCHR – Integrating a Gender Perspective into Human Nations Field Missions support judicial processes, promote
Rights Investigations (2018).
access to justice and remedies for victims/survivors, and
n United Nations – Guidance Note of the United Nations strengthen national capacities to address impunity for CRSV
Secretary-General: Reparations for Conflict-Related crimes.
Sexual Violence (2014).
n United Nations Police – United Nations Police Gender GOALS
Toolkit (2015). To understand how the components of United Nations
n United Nations DPKO/DFS – Handbook Judicial Affairs Field Missions support national investigations and prosecutions
Officers in Peacekeeping Operations (2013). against CRSV perpetrators and contribute to the protection of
victims/survivors and witnesses.
SECTION 1: ENDING IMPUNITY TO PREVENT AND RESPOND TO CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL

VIOLENCE
While States have the primary responsibility to prevent and address CRSV, authorities may be either unwilling or
unable to adequately respond to CRSV-related crimes both during and after situations of armed conflict. The culture
of impunity for CRSV that prevails when judicial responses are not provided has short- and long-term harmful
consequences for victims/survivors of CRSV and their communities, as well as for the enhancement of the Rule of
Law and the achievement of sustainable peace.
Ensuring accountability for CRSV crimes is an effective approach to deterring future crimes from being committed
and sending a strong message to perpetrators and communities that CRSV will not be tolerated. Accountability
is also an essential part of bringing justice and remedies to victims/survivors and supporting them to rebuild their
lives. Moreover, as impunity is often a root cause and a catalyst of conflict, promoting justice is a critical condition
to re-establishing peace and security.
When the judicial system has collapsed or has become dysfunctional, United Nations Field Missions, in line with
their respective mandates, play a key role in breaking the cycle of impunity by fostering political will to end impunity
and strengthening the capacity of national institutions at the strategic and operational levels.
In coordination with the UNCT and civil society organizations, United Nations Field Missions provide multi-sectoral
support to host authorities to uphold their judicial responsibilities, including enhancing criminal accountability.
Support to national authorities may include, among others:
114 | Chapter 10: Ending Impunity for CRSV

n Identifying gaps in national response and encouraging a holistic national approach in addressing CRSV;
n Strengthening national technical capacity;
n Strengthening national responsiveness to victims/survivors (such as reparations mechanisms); and
n Drawing attention to the full range of available justice mechanisms for victims/survivors.
Field Missions also provide technical and material support, including capacity building, for national stakeholders
such as civil society organizations, including women’s groups, to address CRSV and assist victims/survivors.
1.1. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN UNITED NATIONS FIELD MISSIONS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST
IMPUNITY
Field Mission efforts to fight against impunity should be coordinated under the wider Mission’s political efforts
and should be addressed through the broader political framework of prevention and accountability to guarantee
credible investigations and prosecutions of CRSV. A coordinated and coherent approach with other United Nations
entities, including the UNCT and the OSRSG-SVC, should also be pursued.151 Coordination with the TOE is also
critical in assisting the national authorities in ensuring criminal accountability for perpetrators of CRSV, in particular
through deployments of its experts to the field. The TOE provides a “One UN” response to national authorities
through the use of its co-lead structure that includes DPO, OHCHR, UNDP, and OSRSG-SVC.
The SRSG/HOM, in coordination with SRSG-SVC,

and with the support of the Political Affairs Section,
engages in high-level political dialogue with State
and non-State actors to generate political will to ad-
dress impunity.
S/WPAs advise the SRSG/HOM, the Deputy SRSGs,

the Force Commander, the Head of Police component,
UN Photo/Dormino
Heads of Offices, and Mission sections on recom-
mended actions to prevent and end impunity. S/WPAs
serve as focal points across the Mission components
on actions and initiatives to end impunity and to
ensure a consistent approach. A MINUSMA integrated team travels to the Mopti region in Mali to
investigate armed attacks in the Bankass Cercle area.
The Human Rights component leads human rights
monitoring, investigations, and reporting on CRSV incidents and mainstreams CRSV into core areas of its work, such
as the provision of technical support to relevant national stakeholders on justice and accountability. It coordinates
with the TOE, as appropriate, and maintains a strong partnership with the JCS, to ensure complementary, coherent
and mutually supportive initiatives on CRSV. For example, it carries out advocacy efforts with State authorities,
parties to conflict, and civil society organizations on access to justice and effective criminal investigations, remedies,
and reparations, as well as protection measures for victims/survivors.
JOC and JMAC integrate information on CRSV and analysis of patterns of attack and the use of CRSV in their
reporting, with the aim to inform the leadership, S/WPAs, and Mission components.
151 Coordination should be facilitated under the Global Focal Point for Rule of Law arrangement, co-led by DPO (Justice and Corrections
Service and Police Division) and UNDP, with the participation of OHCHR, UN-Women, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC), and other partners.
Chapter 10: Ending Impunity for CRSV | 115

The trial of Mr. Frederic Batumike convicted
of crimes against humanity for the rape of
39 children by his militia in Kavumu,
South Kivu province of the DRC.
Schneider
JCS, in close coordination with UNPOL, the Human Rights component, and the TOE, promotes, supports, and
facilitates criminal investigations and prosecutions, as well as the protection of victims/survivors and witnesses.
Within the JCS, the Justice Unit supports the extension of justice services in areas affected by conflict and improving
the efficiency and effectiveness of the judiciary; advocates for strategic reform of the rule of law architecture;
and promotes the enactment of laws and policies to prevent, address, and criminalize CRSV. Within the JCS, the
Corrections Unit assists national authorities in strengthening corrections facilities to enable the secure and humane
detention of alleged and convicted perpetrators of CRSV.
SSR works in close collaboration with DDR, the Human Rights component and JCS to support oversight mechanisms
to ensure that former commanders and members of armed groups responsible for CRSV are not integrated into
reformed national security forces. This work is carried out in close coordination with the national authorities.
Gender advisors provide support to the SRSG/HOM and S/WPAs, in enhancing women’s participation, representation,
and empowerment, which in turn enables women to actively engage in accountability efforts.
Finally, the TOE works with the consent of and in cooperation with host governments to foster national ownership
and responsibility for addressing CRSV. It works alongside national counterparts, and in collaboration with Field
Missions and the UNCT, to strengthen the rule of law institutions and enable them to hold individuals accountable
for CRSV, thus, promoting full compliance with international due process and fair trial standards.
For United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, the military and police components play an important role in
supporting criminal accountability, including by ensuring security and providing access to specific field locations for
investigations (see below).
SECTION 2: ADAPTING MISSION SUPPORT TO NATIONAL CONTEXTS AND JUDICIAL RESPONSES
United Nations Field Missions and their partners should tailor their interventions and support to the fight against
impunity for CRSV to the specific host-country situation. Field Missions should start with an initial assessment of
the judicial landscape in the host country regarding sexual-violence crimes to develop an in-depth analysis of the
strengths and weaknesses of the national responses. This assessment should be gender-sensitive and include an
analysis of the existing legal framework, the different judicial responses by the national institutions (investigation,
prosecution, and trial), and detail the specific challenges to be addressed. An initial assessment should also include
an analysis of the legal and institutional reforms put in place to address CRSV as well as the existence and the
challenges associated with informal justice mechanisms. The assessment should furthermore aim at identifying
other possible avenues to achieve accountability for CRSV, including within the broader spectrum of transitional
justice mechanisms, such as truth commissions. The assessment should help identify strategic entry points to ad-
dress impunity to inform the development of policies, legal reforms, and strategic frameworks of engagement with

the host State and parties to conflict, such as Joint Communiqués on CRSV.152 Conducting judicial assessments
and proposing recommendations is a shared responsibility between Mission components, with a leading role by
JCS and the Human Rights component, and in coordination with UNPOL and the TOE.
Assessment of judicial response to CRSV by MINUSMA

In 2019, the JCS and S/WPAs in MINUSMA, in coordination with the TOE, conducted a joint assessment of
the national judicial response to serious CRSV crimes committed in Mali in 2012 and 2013. To collect the
necessary information for its assessment, MINUSMA and the TOE, following the completion of a thorough
desk review, hosted bilateral and group meetings in Mali, both in the capital and in strategic field locations,
with national judicial institutions and NGOs. Victims/survivors were not met directly to preserve their safety.
The assessment found that no significant judicial action had been taken to address the CRSV cases since
2017 and, moreover, that some case files could not be found. The assessment helped to localize the com-
plaints within the jurisdictions and identify the challenges that had led to a standstill in all the CRSV cases
linked to the crisis.
The findings of the assessment served as the basis for a range of follow-up actions, including the drafting of
the Action Plan to implement the Joint Communiqué signed between the United Nations and Mali in March
2019. MINUSMA also used the findings to advocate the transfer of CRSV cases to competent jurisdictions,
to assist relevant national authorities in the creation and definition of an adequate prosecutorial strategy, and
to provide technical advice to ensure that national courts can address the backlog of complaints and files
related to CRSV.
The findings from assessments also support the development of gender-sensitive and context-specific training
programmes to prevent and respond to CRSV for national security forces and the judiciary. Furthermore, they can
be the catalyst for the promotion of accountability and professionalism throughout the reform of the host-State
security, defence, and justice sectors.153
UN Photo/ MINUSCA
In Bangui, CAR, the Special Criminal

Court holds its inaugural session in
October 2018, marking the official
launch of the Court’s investigations
on grave international crimes
committed in CAR since 2003.
152 For more information on training, see “Chapter Nine: Engagement for Commitments with Parties to the Conflict to End Conflict-Related
153 For further information and guidance on assessments and mapping, see the Handbook for Judicial Affairs Officers in United Nations
Peacekeeping Operations (2013). Available at: https://peacekeeping.un.org/sites/default/files/2013.04_handbook-justice-final-for-
web-linked_0.pdf

SECTION 3: SUPPORTING CREDIBLE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS AND PROSECUTIONS
Criminal investigations and prosecutions are a significant part of the judicial process and ensuring they are credible
(i.e., honest, impartial, rigorous, transparent, accountable) is essential to ending impunity for CRSV in compliance
with international human rights standards.154 Within the ambit of their mandate and capacity, United Nations Field
Missions should both support and advocate credible investigations and prosecutions of CRSV cases.155 This can
be accomplished through various measures, ranging from technical advice and logistical support, to improving
the ability of national police and judicial authorities to conduct investigations and prosecutions and promoting
fair and impartial criminal trials. For instance, through a Joint Investigation Team (JIT), relevant mission personnel
may support national authorities in carrying out judicial investigations to bring perpetrators of human rights viola-
tions, including CRSV to justice.156
United Nations Field Missions should assist national judicial authorities in applying a survivor-centred approach
during the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of CRSV cases. United Nations Field Missions personnel
conducting human rights investigations, independently or in support of national investigators, should promote and
implement the guiding principles stated in the CRSV Policy: “do no harm”, confidentiality, informed consent, gender-
sensitivity, the survivor-centred approach, and the best interest of the child.157
MINUSMA/Dicko
Investigators from the MINUSMA Human

Rights Division and forensic unit of UNPOL
conduct a human rights investigation in
Sobane Da village, Central Mali.
154 For further information, see OHCHR Guidance on “Integrating a Gender Perspective into Human Rights Investigations” (2019). Available
at: https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Women/Publications/GenderIntegrationintoHRInvestigations.pdf
155 As per the United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy on “United Nations Field Missions: Preventing and Responding to
Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” (2020).
156 For an example of JIT, see the example from MONUSCO in “Chapter 8: Providing Physical Protection to Prevent and Respond to Conflict-
Related Sexual Violence” of this Handbook
157 For more information on the guiding principles and survivor-centred approach, see “Chapter One: Conceptual Foundation and the
Evolution of the Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Mandate” and “Chapter Four: The Survivor-Centred Approach and Referral Pathways”
of this Handbook.

Recommendations to Field Mission personnel for applying
a survivor-centred approach in the investigation of CRSV
n Ensure that protection measures in line with the principle of “do no harm” and a survivor-centred approach
are in place before national police and judicial investigators begin investigations and take all possible
measures to prevent any negative impact of the investigation on victims/survivors.
n Advise and assist the authorities to keep personally identifiable information of victims/survivors, their
families, witnesses, and sources confidential, considering that investigations and prosecutions can put
them at risk. For instance, identities of victims/survivors, witnesses, and sources should not be disclosed
in collective sessions or during interviews with other sources.
n Advise the authorities to refrain from taking photos of victims/survivors and arranging meetings between
victims/survivors and alleged perpetrators. Inform them that if a photo or a meeting is required, authorities
should obtain the informed consent of victims/survivors and that protective measures, such as keeping the
names of the victims/survivors confidential, must be put in place.
n Facilitate the coordination and implementation of protection measures by various actors to mitigate risks.
A gender perspective should be applied throughout, and special attention should be given to child victims/
survivors and witnesses. S/WPAs and CPAs should advise accordingly.
n Clearly and openly present the purpose, processes, and potential outcomes of the judicial process. Victims/
survivors may have expectations that cannot be met by the national authorities and/or the Mission. Do not
commit to any compensation of the victims/survivors. Do not raise expectations that cannot be met.
n Alert authorities about the risk of retaliation, stigmatization and re-victimization victims/survivors may be
exposed to whenever they meet with them. Advise them to fill information gaps through different methods,
sources, and witnesses.
n Support the authorities in identifying secure and discrete locations to conduct interviews.
n Advise authorities to take a gender-sensitive approach, e.g., using respectful and non-discriminatory
language and taking into account the different situations, risks and needs, of women, girls, men and boys
and others to ensure behaviours and practices respect human rights of all people participating in judicial
processes.
n Only conduct individual interviews. Interviewees in particular situations such as children, persons with
disabilities, refugees, and IDPs, or those who survived traumatic events, should be approached with extra
care and may be accompanied by a person of their choice. S/WPAs and CPAs should advise accordingly.
n Advise the authorities to provide essential security counselling to victims/survivors, including information
on available protection services and programmes, contact information for local law enforcement offices,
and advice on self-protection and safety measures.
n Support national authorities to establish an emergency telephone tree or hotline to report CRSV threats
and incidents.
3.1. THE ROLE OF THE CIVILIAN COMPONENT IN SUPPORTING INVESTIGATIONS AND PROSECUTIONS
JCS promotes, supports, and facilitates criminal accountability for CRSV and provides support to the national
criminal justice system, in close coordination with UNPOL, Human Rights and Political Affairs components, and the
TOE. In missions mandated to support nationally led investigations and prosecutions of serious crimes, including
CRSV, the JCS provides technical and operational assistance to criminal justice authorities, as well as military

justice authorities and international justice
mechanisms as mandated. CPAs should be
involved in the provision of technical support
to investigations and prosecutions when
children are involved.
In some Mission settings, the JCS, in coordin-

ation with other components and the UNCT,
will also support the establishment and
operationalization of specialized national mech
UN Photo/UNMISS
anisms responsible for investigating, prose-
cuting, or adjudicating CRSV and other serious
crimes. The JCS also plays an important role
in coordinating international support and
assistance to ensure criminal accountability A man testifies during a mobile court hearing in Bentiu, South Sudan, organized with
for CRSV.158 UNMISS technical assistance and support.
Support to national authorities in responding to serious violations in Protection of Civilian Sites in

South Sudan
Since 2018, the UNMISS Rule of Law Advisory section has supported national efforts to investigate, prose-
cute, and adjudicate cases of serious violations, including sexual violence, perpetrated within its Protection
of Civilian sites in South Sudan. This includes providing technical advice and support to investigators and
prosecutors on methods and techniques employed during all phases of the investigative and prosecution
process (case development, conducting interviews, collecting and safeguarding evidence, preparing evidence
for trial, and presenting a case before the court), as well as logistical support to all justice sector actors for their
deployment to areas where such crimes have been committed. During the first year of the initiative, 127 cases
were referred, including 39 SGBV cases, resulting in 37 convictions and 22 acquittals. Since September 2019,
the initiative has been extended to cover crimes committed outside UNMISS Protection of Civilian sites. Local
CSOs are also involved in supporting the initiative.
Prosecution Support Cells in MONUSCO
In DRC, the civilian, military, and police components of MONUSCO provide technical, financial, and logistical
support to military justice authorities for investigating and prosecuting international crimes, including CRSV.
The Prosecution Support Cells established a list of priority cases involving high-ranking military officials from
the national security forces and leaders of armed groups. In close coordination with Mission components,
in particular the Joint Human Rights Office and JCS, and in collaboration with the TOE, technical support is
provided to military investigators, prosecutors, and judges during trials.
MONUSCO’s support to the military justice authorities resulted in several emblematic trials and convictions for
high-level military commanders and armed group leaders who perpetrated or condoned CRSV.
158 For further information, see the United Nations DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC Policy on “United Nations Field Missions: Preventing
and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” (2020).

3.2. THE ROLE OF THE MILITARY AND POLICE COMPONENTS IN SUPPORTING INVESTIGATIONS AND
PROSECUTIONS
Military and police components of Peacekeeping Missions should use all mandated powers to contribute to efforts
to prevent, detect, mitigate, investigate, and respond to CRSV in collaboration with S/WPAs, Human Rights com-
ponents, and JCS, as well as with victim/survivors’ referral networks. The list below includes specific activities
that uniformed components may conduct, which should be adapted to each Field Mission’s specific mandate and
planned under the overall guidance of S/WPAs.
Searching, detaining, and arresting perpetrators: Where explicitly mandated, police component may have powers
to arrest alleged/confirmed perpetrators of CRSV and temporarily detain them. The military component may be
mandated to search and detain alleged/confirmed perpetrators and subsequently hand them over to the national
authorities. The authority to arrest, detain, and search perpetrators depends on the respective mandates of United
Nations Peacekeeping Operations, the Status-of-Forces Agreements (SOFA),159 ROEs, DUF, and applicable inter-
national human rights, humanitarian, and refugee law, norms and standards.160 Wherever possible, it is preferable
for the military and police components to work with national security and police forces capacities rather than trying
to substitute them for their own.161
Photo MONUSCO/Ali
Two women, veiled to protect their identity
from the public, testify during the trials of
military and police elements accused of
sexual violence crimes in Beni, DRC.
159 A Status-of-Forces Agreement (SOFA) is the legal framework that defines the rights and obligations of a foreign visiting force in a receiving
State’s territory. It is thus an agreement between two or more countries, which are not at war with one another. For an example from
UNMISS see: https://unmiss.unmissions.org/status-forces-agreements-sofa
160 Any person detained by a United Nations field mission shall be handed over to the host-State authorities or released as soon as possible
and, in any case, within 96 hours of the time that he or she was first apprehended. For more information, please see Standard Operating
Procedures on Detention in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions, United Nations Department of
Peace Operations/Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs/Department of Safety and Security (2019).
161 In some missions where the host-State police have completely collapsed, UNPOL may be given an executive mandate and be asked to
provide interim policing (through which they are directly responsible for all policing and other law-enforcement functions and have a
clear authority and responsibility for the maintenance of law and order), effectively becoming the police service of the country. They are,
among other things, entrusted with powers to arrest, detain, and search.

SOPs on handling SGBV/CRSV-related crimes: Depending on the Mission mandate, police components should
develop comprehensive SOPs with the host State police on the handling of crimes related to SGBV, including
CRSV, in collaboration with the Human Rights component. The SOPs162 should include the following five components:
(i) First Response;
(ii) Crime Scene Investigation;
(iii) Investigation;
(iv) Case File Management; and
(v) Victim/survivor Protection.
Technical support to investigation of cases: UNPOL, in coordination with relevant mission components, may assist
the host State police in developing and rolling out a standardized training curriculum for host State police trainers,
investigators, and senior police leadership officers on SGBV investigation and management according to agreed
SOPs. As part of their ongoing interactions with national police, UNPOL may co-locate for mentoring the investiga-
tion and management of SGBV/CRSV cases. In specific contexts, uniformed personnel participate in CRSV-related
investigations processes in coordination with relevant Mission components.
Physical protection during investigations and prosecutions: Military and police components may be mandated
to undertake certain deterrence activities during investigations and prosecution efforts, such as during mobile
courts. For example, they may provide escorts and route clearance to safe locations for interviews or court appear-
ances or provide physical security to investigation teams.
Operational support: The uniformed components may also be tasked with providing operational support to the
host-State security forces to ensure physical protection of civilians through advice on planning and conducting
operations in the context of CRSV investigations and prosecutions.
3.3. SPECIALIZED SGBV POLICE UNITS WITHIN THE NATIONAL POLICE

UNPOL may assist the host-State police in setting up specialized SGBV Police Units in coordination with JCS,
Human Rights and other relevant Mission components, as well as the TOE to address SGBV cases, including
CRSV. These Units are staffed with trained investigators and equipped to investigate, counsel, refer, and respond
to victims/survivors of SGBV, including CRSV. The primary goal of a specialized SGBV Police Unit is to create a
secure, safe, and protected place for the community to report cases, with an emphasis on the specific needs of
women, men, girls, boys and others. Specialized SGBV Units allow the police to respond in an appropriate, sensitive,
and effective way to SGBV crimes.163 SGBV crimes require the police to possess specific relevant capabilities and
provide unique resources. Hence, having a separated SGBV Police Unit can be vital to the success of the police in
handling SGBV cases.164 There should be an equal participation of female officers in these Units.
If appropriate for the local context, these specialized Units may be located in “one-stop centres”, which are multiple-
service delivery centres for victims/survivors. Physical proximity may allow victims/survivors to report their case to
authorities while having the chance to receive free legal assistance and other types of care.165
162 For guidance on developing SOPs, refer to “Lesson 3: Developing SGBV Policies and Standard Operating Procedures” in the United
Nations Police Gender Toolkit – Compendium of Project Tools (2015).
163 There are many advantages to the establishment of a separate SGBV Police Unit with a survivor-centred approach. Firstly, it increases
the confidence of victims/survivors in reporting SGBV crimes as they begin to perceive a systematic approach to SGBV and feel
supported in pursuing justice. Secondly, victims/survivors receive better quality of service, as the victim/survivor’s wellbeing becomes
the focus thanks to the specifically trained officers and active coordination with support services. Lastly, it may change the public
opinion on SGBV, as an institutionalized approach to SGBV transmits the message that SGBV is a crime that will not be tolerated.
164 Specific technical competencies and resources include private and comfortable interview rooms for adult victims/survivors; separate
and comfortable interview rooms for child victims/survivors; a comprehensive data collection system to store DNA samples, fingerprints
and profiles; and access to a wide network of victim/survivor referral services, including medical, legal, and social services.
165 For further information, please refer to “Chapter Four: Survivor-Centred Approaches and Referral Pathways” of this Handbook.

To support host-state police with
specialized policing expertise,
UNPOL deploys specialized teams
of individual police officers,
including SGBV experts.
UN Photo
Joint Rapid Response and Prevention Unit for Sexual Violence against Women and Children in CAR
In 2012, the United Nations and the national authorities in CAR adopted a Joint Communiqué on CRSV in which
the fight against impunity for CRSV was prioritized. Follow-up technical, material, and logistical support provided
by the TOE, in coordination with MINUSCA (SWPA, JCS, UNPOL) and the UNCT (especially UNDP), bolstered
the establishment of a national specialized unit, composed of police and gendarmes and specifically designed
to investigate sexual violence, known as the Joint Rapid Response and Prevention Unit for Sexual Violence
against Women and Children (UMIRR). Since it became operational in 2017, the UMIRR has registered and investi-
gated a number of CRSV cases of sexual violence and successfully offered easy access for victims/survivors
to psychosocial and legal services. The TOE, MINUSCA, and the UNCT continue to provide support to UMIRR
to keep improving its capacity and ability to address the growing numbers of sexual violence cases in CAR.
Guidance on specialized
SGBV Police Units
In the UNPOL Gender Toolkit, police personnel can n Define the content of a strategy and action plan
learn how to: to construct a specialized SGBV Police Unit;
n Understand the benefits of a specialized SGBV Unit; Outline the methods for creating a data collection
n
Identify the steps for preparing, constructing, system;

n
operationalizing, monitoring, and evaluating a n Indicate the content of a monitoring and evaluation
project to establish a specialized SGBV Police Unit; framework for a specialized SGBV Police Unit;
n Outline the content of a concept note and project Identify the indicators for measuring progress
n
proposal; towards establishing a specialized SGBV Police

n Classify different types of specialized SGBV Police
Unit; and
Unit structures and the tasks and responsibilities n Outline challenges and solutions in the different
of staff officers; processes.

SECTION 4: JUDICIAL PROTECTION MEASURES FOR VICTIMS/SURVIVORS OF CONFLICT-
RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE
The protection of victims/survivors and witnesses of CRSV is an integral part of efforts to end impunity against
CRSV.166 Victims/survivors and witnesses have the right to obtain redress, to be protected from threats and reprisals,
and to have their dignity respected at all times, including before, during, and after judicial action is pursued. The
failure to protect victims/survivors and witnesses seriously compromises these rights as well as the investigations
and prosecutions of perpetrators.
As protection programmes are not always in place within the national judicial system, United Nations Field Missions
should contribute to promoting the protection of victims/survivors and witnesses where necessary.167 S/WPAs and
the Protection Units of the Human Rights component have the leading role in the Mission to address protection
challenges faced by victims/survivors and witnesses to
promote access to justice.
To foster a more protective environment and contribute to
breaking the cycle of silence, the Human Rights components
assist the authorities in understanding the protection risks
and challenges that intimidate victims/survivors and wit-
nesses from reporting. During judicial procedures, Human
Rights components assist the authorities in identifying and
responding appropriately to the range of needs expressed
by victims/survivors such as medical, psychosocial, legal,
MONUSCO/UNJHRO
and safety needs. Assistance and protection measures
should always be developed in consultation with victims/
survivors themselves, women’s groups, and other relevant
actors, to ensure comprehensive consultation with all
potential victims/survivors and key national stakeholders
to thoroughly capture the gender dimension of the crimes. Victims and witnesses of sexual violence crimes are accompanied
by the Joint Human Rights Office and provided with full body veils
Together with the Human Rights component, JCS and to ensure they can safely participate in a trial in South Kivu, DRC.
UNPOL may also provide advice to national judicial actors
to ensure that special protection measures are in place throughout the investigation and prosecution stages, with
the support of the TOE. JCS may also support the establishment of legal aid or paralegal support to assist victims/
survivors throughout the justice process.
Protection Measures for Victims/Survivors in DRC

MONUSCO developed a specific United Nations-coordinated protection programme for victims and witnesses
participating in judicial processes, led by its Joint Human Rights Office (for more information see the case
study at the end of this chapter).
Legal aid in Darfur, Sudan
Since 2016, the UNAMID Rule of Law section and UNDP in Darfur have supported efforts to enhance access to
justice and legal aid to vulnerable communities through the establishment of justice forums to enable dialogue
on justice-related challenges, including CRSV, the establishment of legal aid desks in prisons and the training
of paralegals.
166 This also applies to any other person cooperating with the authorities in the judicial context or with the United Nations Field Missions.
167 For further guidance on this, see the OHCHR Manual on Human Rights Monitoring (2011), (“Chapter 14: Protection of Victims, Witnesses
and Other Cooperating Persons”). Available at: https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/Chapter14-56pp.pdf. For more
information on lessons learned, refer to the OHCHR Workshop Report on Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence: Lessons Learned
(2019). Available at: https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Issues/Women/WRGS/ReportLessonsLearned.pdf.

The UNCT and international and national NGOs, particularly organizations with a judiciary protection programme
or those providing legal assistance to victims/survivors, are key partners for the implementation of protection
measures.
JMAC, Civil Affairs, Child Protection, and POC Advisors contribute to the protection of CRSV victims/survivors and
witnesses as part of the wider POC framework, notably by identifying threats against civilians and sharing alerts
with judicial authorities. Military and police components support the protection of victims/survivors and witnesses
as part of their regular POC functions, including physical protection measures.168
SECTION 5: POLITICAL-LEVEL ENGAGEMENT TO ADDRESS IMPUNITY AND STRENGTHEN

NATIONAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS
To advance accountability and combat impunity, technical, and operational support needs to be complemented by
high-level political engagement. The leadership of United Nations Field Mission may advocate the end of impunity
as part of the Mission’s political strategy and through its good offices. S/WPAs or other relevant representatives
of the Human Rights component and JCS should provide information and technical assistance to support these
political efforts.169
Field Missions should advocate the integration of accountability measures into political engagements, ceasefire
negotiations, and mediation practices and ensure peace agreements do not include amnesty provisions170 that may
lead to impunity for the perpetrators of serious crimes, including sexual violence.
The Mission leadership should advocate the development of a national investigation and prosecution strategy for
serious crimes, including crimes of sexual violence. It should also ensure that reforms of the legal system address
Secretary-General
António Guterres
UN Photo
engages with women

during an official visit in CAR.
168 See Section 2 of this chapter for the activities to be carried out by uniformed personnel to support investigation and prosecutions.
For more information about physical protection measures, see “Chapter Eight: Providing Physical Protection to Prevent and Respond
to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” of this Handbook.
169 For more information on this, see “Chapter Nine: Engagement for Commitments with Parties to the Conflict to End Conflict-Related
170 UNSCR1820 (2008) and 2106 (2013) state that sexual-violence crimes must be excluded from amnesty provisions in conflict resolution
processes.

CRSV concerns. This includes the development of a legal framework that ensures protection, reparation, and recovery
mechanisms, as well as transitional justice mechanisms that qualify CRSV as a severe crime.
The Mission leadership may promote accountability throughout the implementation of reform in the security and
defence Sectors. SSR, DDR, and Political Affairs, as well as the military and police components, should also con-
tribute to advising the Mission leadership on the integration of CRSV in host-government policy and SSR.
Lastly, the Mission should engage with the host government and parties to the conflict to secure their commitment
to take corrective action within their ranks to address impunity of CRSV.
At the United Nations Headquarters level, the SRSG-SVC works closely with the TOE to support advocacy efforts
of Field Missions to make CRSV more visible and to build political will and momentum for consistent and effective
prosecution.
Example: Support to the Special Criminal Court in CAR

MINUSCA supported the establishment and operationalization of the Special Criminal Court and continues to
provide technical advice and mentoring to all the organs of the Court, to ensure perpetrators of international
crimes, including CRSV, are brought to justice. MINUSCA’s JCS supported the national authorities with the
development and publication of the Special Criminal Court public investigation and prosecutorial strategy,
which defines CRSV as a priority element in its case selection.
In 2019, the TOE deployed a full-time expert, based in MINUSCA, to provide daily mentoring and capacity
support to the investigation and prosecution of SGBV, including CRSV under the jurisdiction of the Special
Criminal Court.
Example of key advocacy messages

to address impunity
n Encourage the government to commit, sign and fully implement a Joint Communiqué on preventing and
responding to CRSV with the United Nations that contains clear commitments to the fight against impunity
and to implement these commitments through a concrete Action Plan. The commitments included in the
Joint Communiqué should include a commitment to ensure that perpetrators of CRSV will be prosecuted,
including armed group leaders and high-level ranking officers of the security forces (responsibility of the
commander), as well as to ensure that perpetrators of CRSV crimes cannot join the armed forces or law
enforcement agencies and cannot benefit from amnesties.
n Encourage the State to ensure that victims/survivors have access to reparations, covering restitution,
compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction and guarantees of non-repetition. Also advocate for the State
to pay court-ordered reparations to victims/survivors.
n Encourage the State to increase the number of women within defence ministries, the police, and the
military, particularly in commanding positions and within Units deployed in conflict areas, as well as of the
number of female magistrates, particularly for the handling of sexual-violence cases.
n Encourage the State to pay salary arrears for all its agents, particularly those of health personnel and State
security forces in order to mitigate risks of abuses by persons in positions of power over communities.
n Initiate discussion with United Nations agencies and international NGOs to improve data-collection capacity
and methodologies in CRSV-affected regions. Poor data collection impedes the development of appropriate
political and technical support strategies to facilitate addressing impunity.

SECTION 6: REPARATIONS AND REMEDIES FOR VICTIMS/SURVIVORS
Victims/survivors of serious international crimes, including CRSV, have the right to interim assistance and repara-
tions, which may extend to reparations for their family and community.171 Reparations can be both individual and
collective, and appropriate reparations processes generally have a combination of all forms based on the needs
the victims/survivors specify. Reparations to victims/survivors play a critical role in the transitional justice process.
There are five types of reparation:
n Restitution (e.g., restoring property, citizenship rights);
n Compensation (e.g., financial, land);
n Rehabilitation (e.g., medical, psychosocial and livelihood assistance);
n Satisfaction (e.g. apologies, memorials, handing down a judgment);
n Guarantees of non-repetition (e.g., laws and practice preventing similar crimes in the future).
A victim/survivor of CRSV may be entitled to sue the perpetrator in domestic courts, and depending on the legal
system, bring the claim before an international tribunal. State actors may also be held liable under principles of
State responsibility and obligated to provide reparations for victims/survivors.
The United Nations Secretary-General issued a Guidance Note on Reparations for CRSV that provides directions
to United Nations entities to ensure that reparations for victims/survivors are included in all transitional justice
processes at field and Headquarters levels.172 The implementation of victims/survivors’ assistance and reparations
programmes requires specialized expertise and Field Missions are recommended to consult with specialized
organizations.173
A group of United Nations senior officials and

experts gathers to discuss the Secretary-General’s
new Guidance Note on Reparations for CRSV.
UN Photo/Felipe
171 It is an accepted principle under customary international law. This has been enshrined at the international level by the UN General
Assembly in the Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power (1985) and the Basic Principles
and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious
International Humanitarian Law (2005).
172 United Nations – Guidance Note of the United Nations Secretary-General: Reparations for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (2014). Available
at https://www.unwomen.org/en/docs/2014/6/reparations-for-conflict-related-sexual-violence
173 Experienced organizations on reparations include OHCHR, IOM’s Land, Property, and Reparations division; UNDP, UNODC, and UN
Women as well as academics, practitioners, lawyers, and others in civil society.

CA SE S T U D Y
Protection for Victims and Witnesses of Human Rights and Sexual-Violence Crimes
A United Nations-coordinated programme to ensure the participation of victims/survivors
and witnesses in judicial processes
Eastern DRC
Impunity for perpetrators of human rights and sexual-violence crimes has long defined
the legal landscape in DRC. This partly stems from technical and material challenges to
obtaining objective evidence of sexual-violence crimes as well as insecurity at the crime
sites and inaccessibility to them. The testimonies of victims/survivors and witnesses are
Background often the only form of evidence to present in courts for the prosecution of CRSV cases. In
coming forward to testify, victims/survivors and witnesses are exposed to risks including
death threats and other acts of reprisal. Human rights activists and judicial personnel
facilitating these cases are also subjected to various forms of intimidation. Despite these
risks, there is no national judicial protection programme in DRC, due to a lack of political
will and resources. Moreover, the judicial authorities often face technical and material
challenges to providing protection to victims/survivors and witnesses, further contributing
to the culture of impunity.
With the aim of fighting against impunity, MONUSCO developed a Judicial Protection
Pilot Project in 2011 to support the protection of victims/survivors, witnesses, and
judicial personnel during judicial procedures against those accused of crimes against
humanity and war crimes, including CRSV. The United Nations Joint Human Rights
Office coordinated the pilot project and follow-on projects, serving three main goals:
A Pilot Project 1. To provide a holistic protection approach to victims/survivors and witnesses directly
for Judicial involved in the judicial process, covering psychosocial assistance, security, and legal
Protection support;
2. To improve technical skills and the knowledge of all actors directly involved in the
judicial process of victim/survivor and witness protection;
3. To serve as a pilot project to be upscaled to create a national victims/survivors and
witness protection programme and an improved legal framework.
MONUSCO works closely with local and international NGOs to provide technical and
legal advice and assistance to victims/survivors and witnesses, such as Lawyers Without
Engagement
Borders, the American Bar Association, TRIAL International, and the National Protection
with NGOs
Network of Congolese NGOs. MONUSCO also works with these partners to build the
and Local
capacities of local organizations that are members of this network. The participation
Organizations
of grass-roots groups working in rural communities ensures a link between the United
Nations Judicial Protection Programme and the victims/survivors and witnesses of CRSV.
At the strategic level, the Human Rights component, including S/WPAs engage in
Strategic and advocacy with national and provincial judicial authorities on legal reform and the need
Operational to create a national judicial protection programme. They also provide capacity building
Engagement training on judicial protection to judicial authorities and lawyers.
with National
Authorities Upon the request of the Congolese Government, MONUSCO provided technical support
to draft an Action Plan on Sexual Violence, led by the Minister of Defence. The Action

Strategic and Plan included a specific pillar on protection, including training and specialized activities
Operational on the protection of victims/survivors, witnesses, and judicial officers; it is to be carried
Engagement out with the support of MONUSCO.
with National At the operational level, the United Nations Judicial Protection Programme provides
Authorities technical assistance and capacity building training to prosecutors to magistrates and
(continued) national NGOs to address individual protection needs in judicial processes.
The United Nations Judicial Protection Programme addresses individual protection

needs through the National Protection Network. Individuals are referred to specialized
organizations for legal aid and other services, in a holistic approach. Psychosocial support
to victims/survivors of sexual violence is particularly valuable, considering that seeking
justice may entail further harm and trauma. Protection needs and risks are evaluated at
all stages of the judicial proceedings: before, during, and after the trial.
Addressing MONUSCO assists judicial authorities by implementing
Protection specific protection measures for victims/survivors of
Needs to sexual violence called to testify. Measures can include
MONUSCO/UNJHRO
Ensure Judicial video recordings of testimonies, concealing screens
Participation during hearings, voice distortion, and full concealment
for witnesses. MONUSCO Protection Officers conduct
trial monitoring and provide technical advice to all actors
involved in these judicial processes.
After the trials, MONUSCO conducts field missions to explain judicial decisions to victims/
survivors and affected communities on the rulings and of the benefits in contributing to
fighting impunity.
n Protective measures were implemented to mitigate risks for victims/survivors, before,
during, and after the judicial process of several emblematic trials.

n Multi-sectoral protection and services were provided to victims/survivors and witnesses
Key based on their needs and choices, including referrals to medical and psychosocial
Outcomes services; transport and accommodation during the trial to facilitate testimony; and
financial support for relocation to safe locations, when necessary.
n Capacity building of the National Protection Network and national authorities.
1. Collaborating with grassroots partners enabled the Programme to engage and liaise
with communities and monitor the ongoing protection needs of witnesses, victims/
survivors, and judicial personnel.
2. A coordinated approach which enabled collaboration with national and international
partners.
Key Elements
of Success 3. The MONUSCO Working Group on the fight against impunity chaired by the head of the
JCS served to enhance internal coordination within MONUSCO.
4. An International Criminal Justice Task Force that brought together MONUSCO and
NGOs and coordinated protection and advocacy efforts for prosecution-related issues
with the authorities.

List of References
Normative or Superior References

1. United Nations Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security, in particular Resolutions 1325 (2000),
1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1889 (2009), 1960 (2010), 2106 (2013), 2242 (2015), 2331 (2016), 2467 (2019), and 2493
(2019); United Nations Security Council Resolutions on Child Protection, in particular Resolutions 1612 (2005) and
1882 (2009); Security Council Resolution 2447 on strengthening support to police, justice and corrections in field
missions; Security Council Resolution 2151 (2014) on Security Sector Reform; Security Council Resolution 2331 (2016)
on Sexual Violence as a tactic of terrorism.
2. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and its optional protocol (1979 and
1999, respectively).
3. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995).
United Nations Policies

4. DPO/DPPA/OHCHR/SRSG-SVC – Policy on United Nations Field Missions: Preventing and Responding to Conflict-
5. DPO Policy on the Protection of Civilians in United Nations Peacekeeping (2019).
6. DPKO/DFS Policy on Gender Responsive United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (2018).
7. DPKO/DFS/DPA Child Protection in United Nations Peace Operations Policy (2017).
8. DPPA Policy on Women, Peace and Security (2019).
9. OHCHR/DPKO/DPA/DFS Policy on Human Rights in United Nations Peace Operations and Political Missions (2011).
10. United Nations Human Rights Due Diligence Policy on United Nations Support to Non-United Nations Security
Forces (2013).
11. United Nations Policy on Integrated Assessment and Planning (2013).
12. DPKO/DFS Policy on Formed Police Units in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (2016).
13. DPKO/DFS Policy on Justice Support in United Nations Peace Operations (2016).
14. DPKO/DFS Policy on Prison Support in United Nations Peace Operations (2015).
United Nations Guidance

15. United Nations Action, Analytical and Conceptual Framing of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (2011).
16. Guidance Note on Consolidation of Specialized Protection Functions in United Nations Peace Missions (2016).
17. Report of the Secretary-General on the Future of the United Nations Peace Operations: Implementation of
Recommendations of the High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (2015)
18. Provisional Guidance Note on the Implementation of Security Council Resolution 1960 (2010) on Women, Peace
and Security (Conflict-Related Sexual Violence) (2011).
19. Provisional Guidance Note on Intersections between the Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Arrangements (MARA)
and the Gender-Based Violence Information Management System (GBVIMS) (2016).
20. OHCHR Integrating a Gender Perspective into Human Rights Investigations (2018).
21. OHCHR Manual on Human Rights Monitoring (2011).
22. OHCHR Guidance Note on Documenting and Analysing Sexual Violence (forthcoming).
23. DPKO/DFS Guidance, Protection of Civilians: Implementing Guidelines for Military Components of United Nations
Peacekeeping Missions (2015).
130 | List of References

24. DPKO/DFS Guidelines on Police Command in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political
Missions (2015).
25. DPKO/DFS Guidelines on the Use of Force by Military Components in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations
(2017).
26. OHCHR Guidance on United Nations Peace Operations: Integrating Human Rights in United Nations Military
Components, Good Practices and Lessons Learned (2013).
27. OHCHR Guidance on United Nations Peace Operations: Integrating Human Rights in United Nations Police
Components (2013)
28. DPA Guidance for Mediators on Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Ceasefire and Peace Agreements
(2013).
29. DPA Guidance on Gender and Inclusive Mediation (2017).
30. OHCHR Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence: Lessons Learned (2019).
31. Guidance Note of the United Nations Secretary-General: Reparations for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (2014).
32. Guidance Note of the Secretary-General, United Nations Approach to Transitional Justice (2010).
33. Guidance Note of the Secretary-General, United Nations Approach to Rule of Law Assistance (2008).
34. Guidelines for Integrating Gender-Based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action (2015).
Handbooks, training materials and tools

35. DPO Handbook on Protection of Civilians in Peacekeeping (2020).
36. DPO/DPPA Manual for Child Protection Staff in United Nations Peace Operations (2019)
37. DPO Handbook on Gender Equality and Women, Peace and Security Resource Pack (2019).
38. United Nations Police Gender Toolkit, the Compendium of Project Tools, and Compendium of Case Studies (2015).
39. DPO/DFS Handbook for Judicial Affairs Officers in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (2013).
40. OSRSG-CAAC Field Manual on the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) on Grave Violations Against
Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (2014).
41. Global Protection Cluster Handbook for Coordinating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Emergencies (2019).
42. Gender-Based Violence AOR Handbook for Coordinating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Emergencies
(2019).
43. United Nations Peacekeeping Resource Hub, Specialized Training Materials on Conflict Related Sexual Violence.
44. United Nations Peacekeeping Resource Hub, Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials.
45. United Nations Action Early-Warning Indicators of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (2011).
46. UNICEF Advocacy Toolkit (2010).
47. UNIFEM/DPKO/United Nations Action, Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence: An Analytical Inventory of
Peacekeeping Practice (2010).
List of References | 131

Annex
1. List of Functions and Responsibilities on CRSV within the Military Component

Military Headquarters and Unit Responsibilities on CRSV
The Force Headquarters (FHQ). FHQ staff shall factor in protection needs in military planning processes and apply protec-
tion considerations in the conduct (management) of operations. As Protection of Civilians (POC) and CRSV prevention and
response are priority responsibilities involving multidimensional and high-sensitivity activities, the functioning of the Force
HQ staff will be coordinated by the Force Chief of Staff, under the guidance from the Force Commander (FC) and Deputy
Force Commander (DFC). In the context of CRSV, the Force HQ Staff will be specifically responsible for the following, they will:
n Establish an effective monitoring and reporting arrangement on CRSV, including early-warning framework in
coordination with WPAs on CRSV (U2 and U3).
n Report/update/provide inputs to JOC and JMAC, as well as SWPA on CRSV (U2 and U3).
n Issue Information Collection Plans and carryout military analysis of information acquired (U2).
n Coordinate, monitor, and control preventive operations and protection responses through Military Operations
Room (U3).
n Manage CRSV-related crises in coordination with designated officials (Force HQ).
n Provide/coordinate additional support to sector HQ/units/sub-units.
n Carry out periodic reviews and assessments on threats and vulnerabilities to women and girls (U2 and U3).
n Coordinate responses to CRSV and reporting of CRSV incidents with the SWPA/HR/GWPAs, GA/CPA/HRO (U2, U3
and U5).
n Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly information reports and situation reports to identify patterns of CRSV and activities
of perpetrators (U2 and U3).

n Monitor activities of civil population, host security forces, National police, armed groups/actors, etc. (U2, U3, U5, U6
and MPIO)
n Disseminate, employ, and monitor protection-related Mission public information campaigns (MPIO).
n Implement quick-impact projects (QIPs) that enhances safety and security of women and girls (Military CIMIC Officer/U5).
n Monitor in-mission induction and ongoing training, among others, with CRSV focus, and support IMTC in reviewing the
scenario-based training periodically (U7).
n Coordinate communication monitoring and provide additional support (activation of CLAs and other sources) up to
battalion level (U-6).

n Develop military plans and contingency plans for addressing CRSV threats and challenges (U2, U3 and U5).
n Liaise and coordinate with host military establishment.
These responsibilities are to be replicated for staff at Sector Headquarters level.
Military Unit/Battalion HQ. The Unit/Battalion HQ is responsible for planning, coordinating, directing, and controlling all
operational activities in the battalion Area of Responsibility (AOR). In the context of CRSV, UN military Unit/Battalion HQ
will be responsible for:
n Ensuring all military peacekeepers are trained and sensitised on CRSV challenges and can respond effectively.
n Tasking, training, and sensitising the sub-units and commanders in administering proactive preventive measures and
calibrated UN-oriented responses to potential and impending threats.
n Tasking sub-units, including the Engagement Platoon, to carry out Information Collection Plans.
132 | Annex
n Establishing protective-grids through deployment of static (e.g., Company Operating Bases-COB, Observation Posts
(OP), Checkpoints (CP), etc.) and mobile (e.g., patrols, Temporary Operating Bases (TOB), mechanised columns, etc.)
elements to address the most vulnerable areas for CRSV.
n Addressing less vulnerable areas and/or areas away from static bases through robust temporary /dynamic deployments
and mobile/mechanised elements to be effective in time and space.

n Establishing a versatile and multifaceted (24/7) monitoring and surveillance framework (human, electronic, aerial assets)
for early-warning, contributing to predictive analysis, and conducting information-led counter CRSV operations.
n Ensuring 24/7 monitoring of operational environments through the Battalion Operation Centre (BOC), connected to the
Company Operations Centre (COC) and Early-Warning Centres (EWC).
n Advocacy and constructive engagement of communities under risk, host-State authorities and alleged perpetrators
on prevention and response to CRSV.
n Providing consolidated inputs on the Mission’s Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Arrangements (MARA).
n Projection of military detachments, including Engagement Platoon personnel, with proactive posture to dominate
vulnerable areas; and deter, prevent, and contain CRSV perpetrators.
n Maintain credible response assets (robust capabilities, adequate reserves, ability to respond in time and space, and
capable of delivering desired effects) to address emergencies/crises (earmark QRF Company at Battalion HQ and QRT
Platoons at each COB).
n Proactive posture to dominate vulnerable areas; preventing, deterring, and containing perpetrators is key to prevention
and response to CRSV. Foresight, military analysis, deliberate planning, initiative at all levels, dynamic presence, and
fine judgment are key to proactive posture.
n Execution of robust, decisive, highly mobile, versatile, and timely military responses (including use of force multipliers)
to address CRSV challenges effectively.

n Detain/Disarm/neutralize CRSV threats/perpetrators (additionally conduct targeted offensive operations in certain
cases, for example, ‘Force Intervention Brigade in MONUSCO).
n Reduce arms flow, seize/confiscate, collect, and dispose arms in the AOR as per Mission SOPs (including that of
elements/persons that refuse to lay down arms). A Weapons culture and armed men have been a major source of
sexual violence in conflict zone and, hence, must be addressed deliberately.
n Protection of vulnerable populations and management of victims/survivors as per mission directives and SOPs.
n Integrating and synergizing the efforts of all mission actors and the UN partners in the AOR in prevention and response
framework.
Military Sub-Unit/Company. Beyond the applicable responsibilities mentioned at the level of the unit/Battalion HQ, the
UN military sub-units/Company HQ will be responsible for:
n Deploying static and mobile operational elements and conducting operations to dominate vulnerable areas, prevent
violations, deter perpetrators, and respond to threats to CRSV based on operations orders (OPORD) and ROE.
n Establishing surveillance, monitoring, and early-warning systems (including designating early-warning centres and
deploying/employing radars, area surveillance devices, mini-unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensors, communication
monitors, etc.) for accurate, real-time CRSV situational awareness.
n Activating the community alert network (CAN) and deploying Community Liaison Assistants (CLA) to obtain information
and sensitise local populations.

n Using Engagement Platoon staff and other personnel, conducting outreach and engaging with all mission components,
UN and non-UN actors/partners, host-State authorities (civil/military/police) and local communities (including women
and children), as well as the CRSV perpetrators (both state and non-state actors) in respective AOR. Gaining confidence
of the local population through reassurance and confidence building measures.
Annex | 133
Annex (continued)
n Sensitizing locals on community and individual protection measures, early-warning measures and on confidential
reporting.
n Promoting increased reporting (confidential) of CRSV threats and incidents through public information campaigns to
create general awareness (e.g. installation of display boards/hoardings in vernacular language, CAN/CLAs, etc.).
n Providing necessary inputs on MARA.
n Ensuring that commanders at all levels and static/mobile operational elements are easily accessible and approachable
to the civilians, particularly the women and children.

n Establishing an easily accessible women’s help desk, women’s meeting room, and separate medical examination
centre, operated by female peacekeepers/medics/interpreters, to promote privacy and confidential communication.
n Ensuring an enduring presence (with static and/or mobile elements) of military peacekeepers in CRSV vulnerable areas.
n Maintaining credible QRTs with protected mobility for rapid response to potential/impending CRSV threats.
n Protecting civilians (particularly women and children) through robust (direct) military operations, including use of force.
n Neutralizing threats and disarming perpetrators/armed groups if mandated as per ROE.
n Providing victim/survivor assistance (including by all military detachments operating away from the COB) through
gender-sensitive medical aid/patient retention facilities and evacuation support.
n Establishing detention facilities in the COB for perpetrators as per interim SOP on detention.
n Ensuring all military peacekeepers are trained and sensitised on CRSV challenges and can respond effectively.
Military Individual Responsibilities

Military Commanders. Military commanders play a crucial role in executing the protection of civilians obligation, particularly
during crisis situations, through firm resolve and decisive leadership at the junior and senior levels. The following points
reflect some of the fundamental expectations and obligations of UN military commanders:
n Possess a clear understanding of the Mission mandate, obligations (including towards the host population and
international community), and Rules of Engagement (ROE).
n Commitment and determination (executing operations with firm resolve) to protect civilians, specifically women
and children.
n Require the use of military women and men to actively engage with the local population.
n Provision of guidance, training, and analysis to subordinate commanders/sub-units.
n Foresight, initiative, and mental mobility in analysing and responding to CRSV threats.
n Judicious and calibrated military application (including use of force), based on ROE.
n Empathetic and people-centric in planning and execution to build confidence and generate faith in the peace process.
n Collaborative, participatory, and inclusive approach in designing protection measures reconciliation efforts.
n Foster effective junior leadership (hallmark of prevention and response to CRSV).
Establish moral ascendency to dominate the space, through outreach and engagement activities and targeted military
n
operations.
n Lead by example and be present in the place of action.
Battalion/Unit Commander. Prevention of and effective response to CRSV is a command responsibility, which must be
addressed as a priority, in time and space, as per ROE in a UN-oriented manner. Responsibilities of the Battalion Commander
include, among others;
134 | Annex
n Issuing formal written orders and instructions through the Battalion OPORD, SOPs, Training Instructions, etc., which
reflect all POC related tasks, considerations, and methods of execution, including issues pertaining to CRSV.
n Defining battalion priority information requirements (PIR), coordinating the information- collection plan, and maintaining
effective situational awareness.

n Developing and implementing POC-oriented operational designs, based on the CONOPS and Force OPORD, to
address both routine issues and operational challenges.
n Tasking subordinate Commanders to utilize Engagement staff to conduct outreach with the local population.
n Providing operational clarity to subordinate commanders/sub-units and all ranks in the application of tactics,
techniques, and procedures in agreement with the Mandate, CONOPS, ROE, Mission POC Strategy, Mission CRSV
Action Plan, Mission CRSV SOP, Force OPORD, etc.
n Sensitising subordinate commanders and military peacekeepers on CRSV challenges, to respond timely and effectively
and to mitigate threats to women and children.

n Providing clear and concise “aide memoire pocket cards” to all peacekeepers (on ROE, Mission Language, Referral
Arrangements, Code of Conduct, Do and Do not, etc.).
n Providing an area/group-specific list of early-warning indicators to all peacekeepers.
n Organising in-mission training and joint rehearsals and exercises to enhance operational cohesion with other mission
components/external actors (UNFPA, UNHCR, host police/military, etc.).

n Monitoring and maintaining effective control of all operational activities including through BOC.
n Carrying out military analysis or appreciation of a situation, establishing planning and coordinating mechanisms, and
systematise operational responses, including the execution of contingency plans.

n Ensuring redundancy in communication with sub-units/detachments and providing communication support to CLAs
and other civilians who are part of CAN.

n Ensuring logistic sustenance (i.e., supplies, such as food, water, tents, etc.) of mobile elements (TOBs, patrols, etc.)
operating away from COBs.

n Ensuring availability and serviceability of observation, monitoring and early-warning equipment.
n Processing additional support required from Force/Mission resources (Utility/Attack Helicopters, UAS support, satellite
imageries, Force Reserves, communication systems, etc.).

n Retaining the ability to carry out casualty/medical evacuations of victims/survivors.
n Periodically validating operational readiness of the forces in prevention and response to CRSV.
n Carrying out periodic reviews of CONOPS, OPORD, ROE, SUR and recommending modifications to FHQ or to the
MCS team.
n Coordinating with mission substantive components to enhance coherence in the execution of military tasks (PA/SWPA/
Human Rights/Gender/Child Protection/Civil Affairs/Public Information/UN Police, etc.).

n Undertaking gender-sensitive and security-oriented CIMIC/QUIPs programmes to enhance safety and security of
women and girls.
n Executing outreach and engagement with local authorities, host-State security forces, rule of law agencies, local people
including women, armed groups/actors, etc. Utilising CLAs to enhance outreach and engagement with communities.
n Designating a CRSV focal point to establish vertical/lateral links with S/WPAs and other component/unit focal points.
Company/Sub-Unit Commander. Responsibilities of the Company Commander include, among others:

n Carrying out risk, threat, and vulnerability assessments for the Company AOR with specific focus on women and
children, to feed into overall military assessments.
Annex | 135
Annex (continued)
n Deploying static, temporary, and mobile military elements in anticipated vulnerable/high incidence areas.
n Ensuring static and mobile elements/detachments are operating in consonance with each other and retaining the
ability to mutually support or reinforce as required.
n Ensuring that heliborne reserves/quick reaction forces are kept in a high state of operational readiness to reinforce/
support/deploy, as per Battalion/Force/Mission SOPs, when operating in isolation.
n Ensuring the platoons and sections are equipped, trained, tasked, briefed, and motivated to conduct Mixed Engagement
Teams with a POC/CRSV focus, based on ROE and OPORD.

n Sensitising subordinate commanders and military peacekeepers on the POC/CRSV responsibilities with particular
reference to women and children.

n Establishing an effective early-warning network in the Company AOR (all static and mobile detachments will act as
EWC reporting to Company Operations Centre/Battalion Operations Centre).
n Ensuring constant monitoring, continuous communication, and effective control of all operations in the AOR to respond
to operational challenges in time and space.

n Carrying out enduring, highly mobile, and versatile operations to prevent/deter/respond to CRSV threats.
n Carrying out detailed briefing and debriefing to ensure consistency in performance.
n Carrying out the specific actions on receipt of a report on CRSV incident/imminent threat, including:
u Assessing the situation and giving preliminary directions/warning orders to subordinate commanders, as required;
u Informing the Battalion Commander and requesting additional resources, if required;
u Deploying Engagement Platoon staff to the site if not already present;
u Informing designated officials (parallel to chain command) in the Mission HQ (PA/SWPA/HR-G WPA/HRO/GA/CPA);
u Following directions on the Referral Arrangements issued by the Mission HQ;
u Deploying operational detachments to the site of incident/vulnerable area as required;
u Launching reserves for additional missions/coverage to be effective in time and space if required;
u Maintaining personal control and visiting the site as early as possible;
u Assisting designated officials/investigating teams regarding their needs (e.g., security, food, transportation, etc.);
u Coordinating with local administration, local police, or other actors (as per referral arrangements);
u Consulting with UN Police if required;
u Ensuring casualty/medical evacuation occurs as per procedure, if required; and
u Ensuring detainees are handled and treated as per SOP.
Platoon/Detachment Commander. Most of the UN military operations are undertaken at the Platoon/Section/Detachment
levels under the able leadership of junior leaders. Junior leaders must be briefed thoroughly and must have a clear under-
standing of their tasks, as well as UN- oriented tactics, techniques, and procedures. Responsibilities of the Platoon/Section/
Detachment Commanders in combating CRSV threats (particularly when operating independently) include, among others:
n Engaging with local population/communities for situational awareness on CRSV, using Engagement Platoon staff
whenever possible.
n Ensuring that the Platoon/Section/detachment is trained and sensitised on CRSV-related issues and be able to function
as a cohesive tactical entity.
136 | Annex
Briefing the detachment (Sections/Platoon) on tasks, with particular reference to CRSV (indicators, prevention, and
n
response).
n Maintaining operational balance at the vulnerable area or incident site and understanding the situation and existence
of any further threat.
n Securing the area and ensuring the safety and security of victims/survivors.
n Reporting through the chain of command; providing information on situations and requesting additional resources/
assistance when needed; and continuing to inform the Company HQ on evolving situations.
n Ensuring evidence is not tampered with by UN troops or any other persons.
n Engaging alleged perpetrators (enquire, negotiate, warn) and carrying out posturing.
n Confining or detaining alleged perpetrator(s) (including suspected persons if deemed necessary).
n Using force as a last resort, based on the Mission ROE, if challenged with force,.
n Disarming perpetrators if tasked or when operationally necessitated.
n Extricating victims/survivors if operationally necessitated.
n Interposing between perpetrators and a threatened population if required as a preventive step.
n Providing survivor assistance (military level) following mission-specific referral arrangements and, if required,
requesting medical evacuation (ambulance/helicopter).
n Readiness to requisition/receive additional reinforcements as per gravity of situation.
n Assisting designated officials and investigators as required.
Annex | 137
Annex (continued)
2. Military Staff Branches and Responsibilities on Preventing and Responding to CRSV
U1 – Personnel and Administration Branch / Welfare
n Ensure the military contingent is sufficiently trained, equipped, and prepared and has female personnel to participate
in the functions of headquarters and to engage in the field.
n Coordinate and integrate personnel plans and procedures for local civilian staff, ensuring the employment of women
as well as men, and that the unique employment needs of both men and women are considered.
n Monitor unit strength in a sex and age disaggregated format.
n Ensure that female medics are at several bases and can dispense HIV Post Exposure Prevention (PEP) kits.
n Management – recommending allocation of posts, ensuring women are in pairs in Military Observer Team Sites and
in remote locations/HQs.
n Create, in coordination with Military Gender and Protection Adviser, a UN Women Peacekeepers Network for the
mission.
U2 – Military Information and Intelligence

n Ensure women as well as men are engaged with when developing situational awareness.
n Monitor activities of armed groups and ensure all relevant reports, including PIRs, include the nature of threats facing
women, men, boys, and girls; the occurrences of CRSV, SGBV, human trafficking, and child protection, including the
use of child soldiers; and any other violations of humanitarian law.
n Ensure weekly and month reports include CRSV and SGBV incidents.
n Ensure reports are sex and age disaggregated.
n Provide early warning on anticipated human rights’ abuses.
n Assess threats and risks in the mission and identify vulnerable groups and high-risk areas – such as women working
in fields or collecting water, wood, etc.
n Maintain a military information database on CRSV, SGBV, human trafficking, and child protection, including the use of
child soldiers and any other violations of humanitarian law that can support MARA.
n Establish regular information sharing with JMAC, Human Rights, WPAs, Child Protection Advisers, and civil society
representing women’s rights.

n Liaise with Military Gender and Protection Adviser, as a minimum, on a weekly basis to discuss acts of gender-based
violence and violations of humanitarian law.

n Assist U5 and U3 Information operations by informing them of where and when incidents of CRSV and other human
rights abuses occur.

n Map the movement of men, women, boys, and girls to analyse when they are vulnerable or for demining activities etc.
U3 – Current Operations
n Ensure the preparation and coordination of Force HQ Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Fragmentary Orders
(FRAGOs), Warning Orders (WARNO), and contingency plans; these should include directions on engagement with
women and girls and references of incidents of CRSV and other humanitarian law violations, as well as procedures
methods to respond to and prevent incidents.
n Coordinate with U2 and ensure that information on human rights violations, as well as conventional attacks on armed
groups, are reported in a sex and age disaggregated manner and included in orders.
138 | Annex
n Ensure safe corridors are established if UN operations will impact on women, men, girls, and boys.
n Ensure Information Operations include women and youth as target audiences.
n Ensure female peacekeepers are available for searching and check points, and that patrols are mixed; female police
may be available if there are no female soldiers available.

n Coordinate with Human Rights component, WPAs, and Child Protection.
u Monitor and report Human Rights violations.
u Invite subject matter experts to Orders Groups where appropriate.
n Ensure orders include guidance on how to:
u Respond to victims/survivors of CRSV and SGBV;
u Provide appropriate support, including using female military or police;
u Ensure survivors’ privacy and personal wishes are respected;
u Inform the correct personnel of the incident in a timely manner (PEP kits must be administered within 72 hours by
qualified medical staff);
u Operate and/or provide guidance for a Women’s Situation Centre during unrest/elections etc., if necessary,
n Ensure orders and other Orders, Standards and Procedures (OSP) include the need for female Community Liaison
Assistants, language assistants, and interpreters.
n Ensure key leader engagement with civil society includes female leaders, women’s groups, and groups representing youth.
n Ensure Military Police are aware of and report SGBV, CRSV, human trafficking, and child protection circumstances,
including the use of child soldiers and any other violations of humanitarian law to UN, the host State, and other
civilian entities.
U4 – Logistics
n Working with DFS, assess and improve camp accommodation conditions to meet the needs of women, including the
option of establishing “women-only” sections of military, police, and civilian UN camps or in private compounds in
Missions. This includes ensuring that camps have ablutions for women that are secure, well-lit, and in close proximity
to their quarters.
U5 – Future Plans and Policy

n Ensure the preparation and coordination of Force HQ SOP, FRAGOs, WARNOs, and contingency plans include direction
on engagement with women and girls and reference incidents of CRSV and other humanitarian law violations and how
to respond and prevent incidents.
n Develop a Gender Annex for Operation Orders with the military gender advisors (Mil GENAD).
n Coordinate with Human Rights, the Gender Unit, WPAs and Child Protection to incorporate advice and analysis on
human rights violations and participation of women into OSP.

n Liaise with Military GENAD and civil society to better understand security issues facing women, men, girls, and boys,
and to broaden planning parameters.

n Planning and conduct of Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR):
u Ensure women and girls who have been in armed groups have access to DDR programmes;
u Ensure female peacekeepers can engage with women, girls, and boys in the DDR programme;
u Plan for women, girls, and boys to be accommodated separately to men unless in families;
u Ensure separate washing areas and rest rooms; and
u Working
with Information Operations and the Military GENAD, identify messages that will encourage female
ex-combatants to participate in the DDR process.
Annex | 139
Annex (continued)
n Planning and conduct of Security Sector Reform (SSR):
u Encourage host State to recruit and retain female personnel;
u Consider barriers to the participation of women in security sector;
u Support National forces in aligning their defence policies with global (e.g., National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325)
and national commitments on gender parity and equal opportunities;
u “Lead by example” – use UN female peacekeepers in SSR activities and interaction with host-State security sector;
u Ensure the host State has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA); and
u Include human rights and a gender perspective into training programmes for host-State security sector.
n Planning and conduct of elections:
u Assess with U2 the security risks that may impede the full participation of women and men in elections;
u Employ female peacekeepers at and around polling stations; and
u Establish priority lines for women and men requiring assistance.
U6 – Communications
n Ensure radio masts etc. are not placed near schools and hospitals;
n Be prepared to support Information Operations activities with wind up radios; and
n Be prepared to support information strategies via IT and in-theatre communication.
U7 – Training
n Include gender perspectives into education, training, and collective exercises;
n Develop, in consultation with Force Gender and Protection Advisor, S/WPAs and the UNPOL Gender/SGBV Advisors,
training on how to:
u Respond to victims/survivors of CRSV, SGBV, including human trafficking-vulnerable children, child soldiers, and
other humanitarian law violations;

u Ensure the privacy and personal wishes are respected of victims/survivors;
u Find relevant organizations to provide the appropriate ongoing support to victims/survivors; and
u Perform mandatory reporting requirements.
U8 – Budgets
n Be prepared to provide resources for outreach to women and youth;
n Ensure gender-neutral opportunities for contracting and commercial activities;
n Consider local women’s markets to source contractors;
n Ensure selected contractors respect UN standards of behaviour and treat staff appropriately; and
n Ensure women employed on camp/base are treated with dignity and respect.
U9 – Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC)

n Ensure liaison and engagement takes place with women as well as men;
n Consistently meet with civil society and groups representing women in the local community; and
n Create a map of agencies and organizations that can assist the military component in responding to the needs of CRSV,
SGBV, SEA, and human trafficking victims/survivors, including children and child soldiers that need protection.
These responsibilities are replicated for staff at the Sector and Battalion Headquarters levels.
140 | Annex
3. Training Overview for Civilian, Military, and Police Personnel of United Nations
Field Missions
TYPE OF TRAINING LEARNING OBJECTIVES LEARNING CONTENT
Core pre-deployment training materials Explain CRSV Definitions

for military and police Importance of attention to CRSV
Identify CRSV as a punishable crime
Available at: List actions to take to address CRSV Legal Framework
https://research.un.org/revised- UN Partners addressing CRSV
cptm2017 UN Guidance on CRSV
Addressing CRSV in UN Peacekeeping
Responding to CRSV
Roles & Responsibilities: What individual
Mission personnel should do
Specialized Training Material for Troop- Overview of the relevance, challenges, Five Lesson Plans
Contributing Countries and Formed and organisational responses to CRSV Introduction to CRSV
Police Units on strategic, operational, and tactical
levels. Mission Approaches to CRSV
Available at: Procedural Aspects to CRSV
Understand:
https://research.un.org/en/peacekeeping- Role of Military Component
community/training/STMUNMU/CRSV n Specificities and requirements of
the Mandate; Best Practices on CRSV
n Definition, principles, and context; Five Scenario-Based Exercises and
n Legal framework; “Seven Snap Situations”
n Profile;
n UN approaches at the strategic level;
and,
n Roles & responsibilities of UNHQ
entities.
Annex | 141
Annex (continued)
4. Advocacy on CRSV through International Human Rights Mechanisms
International Human Rights Mechanisms can serve as tools for Field Missions to carry out advocacy and hold accountable
Member States for the implementation of CRSV commitments.
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is the body of independent experts
that monitors implementation of States parties of the rights contained in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women, in peace and conflict. It does so through three different monitoring mechanisms: a) review
of implementation of the Convention by States parties; b) confidential inquiries on violations to the Convention; and, c)
examination of individual complaints. This is an important tool to enhance advocacy and hold Member States accountable
for the implementation of the WPS/CRSV commitments.174
3 What field missions can do: United Nations Field Missions can strengthen CEDAW reviews (and other treaty
bodies175) as an accountability process by submitting to CEDAW (confidential) information on the relevant country
situation on, for example, gaps in the fight against impunity for CRSV and the lack of support services for victims/
survivors. Such submissions should ideally contain information and suggestions for recommendations useful to improve
the situation of victims/survivors of CRSV. After the review, the Committee issues recommendations, which Field Missions
can then use as an advocacy tool to advance the implementation of the CRSV mandate in country.176 Field Missions
might furthermore be requested by the State to provide support in the implementation of recommendations by
CEDAW or other treaty bodies.
Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a unique process that involves a review of the human rights records of all United
Nations Member States. The UPR is a State-driven process, under the auspices of the Human Rights Council, which provides
the opportunity for each State to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their
countries and to fulfil their human rights obligations. The ultimate aim of this mechanism is to improve the human rights
situation in all countries and address human rights violations wherever they occur.
3 What field missions can do: United Nations Field Missions can submit information to the UPR Secretariat ahead
of the UPR on issues of concern, including CRSV. This information is public and made available to Member States to
assist them in peer review processes. UPR recommendations on CRSV can be used by Field Missions as an advocacy
tool to advance the implementation of the CRSV mandate.177 Field Missions might furthermore be requested by the
State to support it in the implementation of UPR recommendations.
Special Procedures: The Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council are independent human rights experts man-
dated to report or advise on human rights from a thematic or country-specific perspective. Special Procedures conduct
visits, make recommendations, and receive individual complaints. Examples include the Special Rapporteur on Transitional
justice, the Special Rapporteur on trafficking, the Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, its causes and conse-
quences (who advises/reports on the causes and consequences of sexual violence against women), and the Independent
Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic.
174 UNSCR 2122 recognizes the importance of the CEDAW and its optional protocol and urges Member States to ratify both documents.
In July 2018, the Office of the SRSG-SVC and the CEDAW Committee signed a framework of collaboration. The full text of UNSCR
2122 is available at: https://www.un.org/press/en/2013/sc11149.doc.htm. See as well: https://wps.unwomen.org/pdf/CH12.pdf
175 Committee on the Rights of the Child; Human Rights Committee; Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; Committee
against Torture; Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Committee
on Enforced Disappearances; Committee on Migrant Workers. Please see: https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/TB/TB_
booklet_en.pdf
176 For more information please see: https://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/cedaw/pages/cedawindex.aspxwww.ohchr.org/
177 For more information please see: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/UPR/Pages/UPRMain.aspx
142 | Annex
3 What field missions can do: United Field Missions can provide coordination support to Special Procedures in their
country missions. Field missions can furthermore provide information to Special Procedures to initiate an examination
of a particular CRSV issue; submit relevant information on CRSV for thematic reports; or, support Special Procedures
in corroborating information to an allegation on CRSV received by them.178 Relevant recommendations from Special
Procedures can be used as an advocacy tool by Field Missions to advance the implementation of the CRSV mandate.
178 For more information please see: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/SP/Pages/Welcomepage.aspx
Annex | 143
5. Terms of Reference for the MARA Working Groups in the Democratic Republic of
Congo and Iraq
United Nations Nations Unies
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONFLICT RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE

MANDATE BY THE UN SYSTEM IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
MONITORING, ANALYSIS AND REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS (MARA)
I. Conflict Related Sexual Violence Mandate
II. Definition of CRSV
III. The MARA Working Group

n Objective
n Geographic Scope
n Membership
n Functions
n Division of labor
n Monitoring principles and verification
n Meetings
n Reporting
n Information sharing with other data systems
IV. The Joint Consultation Forum (JCF) on conflict-related sexual violence

n Objective
n Leadership and Composition of the JCF
n Function
n Annex 1. Ethical and safety criteria (WHO standards) and Basic Monitoring Principles
I. CRSV Mandate
Global Mandate
1. Building on Security Council resolutions 1820 (June 2008) and 1888 (September 2009) which recognized the links
between sexual violence and sustainable Peace and Security, the Monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements
on conflict-related sexual violence (MARA) was established by Security Council resolutions 1960. Resolution 1960
also gives the mandate to list parties to conflict that are credibly suspected of committing or being responsible for
acts of rape and other forms of sexual violence in an annex to the reports of the Secretary-General. The decision
to list and/or de-list a party from the annex is the prerogative of the Secretary-General. Relevant SCRs also include
2106 (2013), and 2331(2016) on CRSV, 1325 (2000) and 2242 (2015) on Women, Peace and Security, and 1612
(2005) and 1882 (2009) on Children and Armed Conflict.
144 | Annex
MONUSCO mandate
2. CRSV has been a priority in the MONUSCO mandate since 2008. Current mandates focus on prevention of CRSV,
fight against impunity, support to the Government of DRC to implement the FARDC Action Plan against sexual
violence and the implementation of the MARA. Whilst responsibility for the implementation of the CRSV mandate
lies with mission leadership, addressing CRSV is a mission-wide responsibility. CRSV considerations are therefore
to be mainstreamed throughout the responsibilities of relevant mission components (military, police and civilian),
addressed at all stages of the mission’s lifespan, and integrated into the mission’s key planning documents such as
conflict analysis and early warning mechanisms, the concept of operations, rules of engagement/ directives on the
use of force and the protection of civilian’s strategy.
II Definition of CRSV
3. The UN agreed definition on CRSV refers to incidents or patterns of sexual violence that occur in conflict or post-con-
flict settings or other situations of concern (e.g., political strife). CRSV includes rape, sexual slavery, forced prosti-
tution, forced pregnancy, enforced sterilization, or any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity, against
women, men, girls or boys. CRSV has a direct or indirect nexus with the conflict or political strife itself, i.e., temporal,
geographical and/or causal link. This link may be evident in the profile of the perpetrator (often affiliated with a
State or non-State armed group), the profile of the victim179 (who is frequently an actual or perceived member of a
persecuted political, ethnic or religious minority, or is targeted on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation
and gender identity), the climate of impunity. The determination that sexual violence is conflict-related is made on
a case-by-case basis and follows an established methodology detailed in the analytical and conceptual framing of
CRSV180.
4. For the purposes of the listing and delisting of parties to conflict that are suspected of committing or being respon-
sible for acts of rape or other forms of sexual violence, the MARA will consider only UN verified incidents.
III The MARA Working Group

Objective
5. The MARA Working Group (WG) is established for the implementation of the SC Res. 1960, in particular, for the
operationalization of the monitoring, analysis and reporting arrangements (MARA). The purpose of MARA is to ensure
the systematic gathering of reliable and objective information on CRSV that will be used to promote action to prevent
and respond to incidents of sexual violence. Information from MARA should inform strategic advocacy, enhance
prevention and programmatic responses for survivors. Information from MARA will also serve as the basis for
Security Council action, including imposing sanctions and other targeted measures.
6. Emphasis should be placed on ensuring that monitoring and reporting on sexual violence is undertaken alongside
the provision of services for survivors. This is a key ethical consideration for UN actors. The establishment of MARA
should be viewed as an opportunity and a challenge to simultaneously improve information and services. Monitors
should be aware of and be able to refer survivors to such services where possible. Increased availability of services
will, in turn, result in more accurate information related to sexual violence.
Geographic scope
7. The MARA will consider all incidents of sexual violence that take place in areas currently affected by armed conflict
as defined by the MARA Working group and in other areas of possible concern either conflict or post conflict.
179 While this policy refers to victims, those immediately affected are often also referred to as survivors of sexual violence, especially in
advocacy efforts, to emphasize their agency and dignity.
180 Analytical and Conceptual Framing of Conflict-related Sexual Violence, June 2011
Annex | 145
Annex (continued)
a. Bas-Uele
b. Haut-Uele
c. Ituri
d. Tshopo
e. North Kivu
f. Maniema
g. South Kivu
h. Tanganyika
i. Kasai
j. Kasai Central
k. Kasai Oriental
l. Haut-Lomami
m. Lualaba
Membership
8. Given the highly sensitive nature of information on incidents and perpetrators and the security implications for opera-
tional entities, particularly as relates to naming of alleged perpetrators and parties to conflict, the membership of the
Working Group is limited to a select group of UN entities and Mission components to safeguard non-UN implement-
ing partners working with affected communities. Measures are taken to ensure that the data gathering, monitoring
and verification process does not endanger service provision.181
9. The technical level Working Group is convened by the Senior Women Protection Adviser of MONUSCO. The Working
Group includes UN Agencies with a protection mandate and relevant MONUSCO sections and entities.
The following entities participate in the technical-level Working Group in DRC:

n MONUSCO: JHRO (NRI and Women Protection Advisers), Child Protection, Gender, Justice, PAD/SSR, DDR,
Civil Affairs, UNPOL, the Force, JMAC, PoC Adviser.
n UNFPA
n UNHCR
n UNICEF
n UNWOMEN
n OCHA
Each organization and section will designate a focal point and an alternate focal point in order to enhance pro-active
and continuous interaction between the members of the Working Group.
Functions
10. The Working Group will, on a regular basis, carry out the following activities:182
n Review of information on conflict-related sexual violence;
n Monitoring and verification of incidents of sexual violence drawing on a network of information sources;
n Analysis of data, trends and patterns of sexual violence;
n Preparation of draft reports which will be transmitted by SRSG to SRSG-SVC;
n Agree protocols for information sharing, and secure management and storage of information;
n Coordination with other UN monitoring mechanisms in gathering and verification of information; e.g. special
investigations, etc.
181 From paragraph 5, Provisional Guidance Note

182 See UNSCR 1960 Provisional Guidance Note, p.7
146 | Annex
Ensure coordination and information sharing for the development of strategies and in the implementation of
n
commitments by parties to conflict to address conflict-related sexual violence;

Capacity development such as training and awareness raising of the network of information sources at
n
community level to encourage the transmission of information on conflict-related sexual violence;

Advise and make recommendations to SRSG on high-level demarches and advocacy;
n
Consult with relevant Government institutions and UN or NGO bodies (e.g. GBV Sub-clusters/working groups)
n
on issues of concern identified by the Working Group;
The Working Group should keep the SRSG and Heads of UN system entities regularly informed on its work. When
necessary, the Working Group may recommend that the SRSG convenes Heads of UN system entities on issues
which have policy implications.
Division of labor
11. The UN System as a whole will work together to combat CRSV with the following specific roles:
CRSV Unit/JHRO n Coordinates and analyses data and information about CRSV
n Advocates on prevention and response to CRSV
n Capacity building on CRSV
n Ensures coherence in UN-wide programmatic response to CRSV
UNJHRO n Share information/data and analysis of trends on verified CRSV cases gathered as well as
followed up cases with relevant authorities;
n Information shared should include number of sexual violence by state agents or armed groups
and actions taken during the reporting period by the UNJHRO, as well as assistance provided to
judicial authorities in the scope of their investigations and to survivors of sexual violence.
n Update on progress registered in prosecution of alleged perpetrators as well as any other action
taken by the Government in combating impunity for CRSV.
n Update on progress of access to justice for CRSV survivors.
n The WPAs and CRSV Focal Points in the JHRO will also mainstream CRSV into other core areas
of JHRO work including capacity building and advocacy directed towards state authorities,
conflict parties and civil society, including on access to justice and effective criminal investiga-
tions, transitional justice, effective remedies and reparations for survivors, and the protection of
victims and witnesses.
CPS Share information/data collected on verified CRSV cases involving minors collected during the
reporting period, including on assistance provided to judicial authorities in the scope of their
investigations, protection of survivors of sexual violence and combating impunity for perpetrators
of sexual violence in conflict, assistance provided to survivors.
MONUSCO Justice n Provide data and analysis on justice decisions related to CRSV.
and Corrections n Provide information on escape, release and death of inmates imprisoned for CRSV.
MONUSCO PAD/SSR n Share information on any support provided to PNC/FARDC to prevent and address CRSV.
UNPOL n UNPOL will collect information on CRSV from the stations where it works in collocation and from
any other source encountered during patrols.
n Share information on support to PNC in arresting perpetrators;
n Info on capacity building of PNC to investigate CRSV.
Annex | 147
Annex (continued)
Force Focal Point n Provide information on incidents of CRSV documented during patrols.
n The Force will integrate focus on conflict-related sexual violence into analysis, planning and
conduct of operations
MILOBS n Provide information on incidents of CRSV documented during patrols.
UNICEF n Provide data on GBV survivors (disaggregated by sex, age, location, type of services, etc.);
n Provide analysis of response mechanisms, access to services by survivors in order to adapt
response and prevention mechanisms.
UNHCR n Provide analysis of trends of CRSV gathered through the UNHCR Protection Monitoring System;
n Share any other protection/prevention activities undertaken during the reporting period in rela-
tion to CRSV as part of the implementation of UNHCR mandate as a Protection Cluster lead.
UNFPA n Provide data on provision of services to CRSV survivors including, when available, profile of
survivors, alleged perpetrators;
n Share information related to support provided to survivors and prevention activities.
UNWOMEN n Share information related to prevention and response activities.
OCHA n Advocates with the humanitarian community in the humanitarian fora and share main findings
and recommendations from the MARA WG
DDR n DDR will collect information on allegations of CRSV during the implementation of DDR and CVR
for their target beneficiaries and transmit through routine reports such information. From the
initial stages of screening and identification of combatants to their long-term reintegration, DDR
components establish effective mechanisms for receiving and transmitting information on CRSV
which might occur throughout this process and refer survivors. It should also support the WG to
develop recommendations for strengthened prevention of CRSV perpetrated by NSA and how to
engage with these actors.
CAS n CAS will share analysis regarding CRSV early warnings, and mainstream CRSV in conflict
prevention efforts and POC action.
PoC Adviser n The PoC adviser will share general PoC trends and integrate CRSV concerns into the broader
mission efforts to protect civilians from violations of international human rights and humanitar-
ian law.
Joint Missions Analysis n Joint Missions Analysis Centres (JMAC) will ensure analysis on early-warning indicators and
Centres (JMAC) perpetrators of CRSV;
n It ensure that situational analyses and threat assessment are carried out to identify emerging
patterns of attack, early-warning indicators regarding the use of sexual violence in armed
conflict as well as, information regarding parties to armed conflict that are credibly suspected
of committing patterns of CRSV.
Monitoring principles and verification

12. MARA is designed and implemented in adherence with established ethical and safety criteria, such as security,
confidentiality, anonymity, informed consent, safety and protection from retribution, and protection of the data.
The monitoring and verification aspects of the Working Group are aligned with human rights monitoring principles
148 | Annex
and methodology. The reports of the Secretary-General and other information to the Security Council must meet
the standards of verification adopted in the UN system. In addition to the verified cases, information on context,
the security situation, potential movements of the population, etc. and other credible information on human rights
violations will be compiled to facilitate the analysis of trends and patterns of CRSV.
Meetings
13. The Working Group will hold two types of meetings:
n Strategic high-level meetings chaired by the SRSG, heads of Sections and senior Heads of Agencies of the
different UN entities and convened whenever policy issues need to be addressed
n Operational meetings of the technical-level Working Group with the CRSV focal points.
14. The meetings of the technical-level Working Group are convened by the Senior Women Protection Adviser on
a monthly basis, usually the last Thursday of each month. The JHRO/CRSV Unit ensures the secretariat of the
Working Group. The secretariat is responsible for the following tasks:
n Keep track of operational matters and raise them with the Working Group if needed;
n Coordinate information gathering and data collection, and consolidate inputs provided by the members to
facilitate joint analysis;
n Prepare and update strategic documents and work plans, as agreed by the Working Group;
n Liaise with relevant MONUSCO sections and other entities to exchange information, explain the objectives of
the MARA and seek their regular contributions and briefings to the Working Group;
n Provide regular briefings on the MARA in relevant MONUSCO-internal meetings and to the members of the
UNCT;
n Compile data and reports on CRSV in DRC, and coordinate contributions to any requests on CRSV information,
including for the annual report of the Secretary-General on CRSV;
n Prepare the agenda of the meetings and send out invitations to the members;
n Take minutes of the meetings, share them with members in a timely manner and ensure follow-up on recom-
mendations with relevant components.
15. The discussions of the Working Group remain confidential. The summaries of the meetings will not detail individual
cases or mention names of victims. No public mention will be made of the content of the discussions. A specific
attention must be given to ensure the security and confidentiality of information. In general, information on names
of perpetrators, as well as case data including names of victims and witnesses, or any other potentially identifying
information will only be shared on a need to know basis and should remain within the remit of Working Group
members doing the monitoring and verification.
Reporting
16. Annual: Input to the Report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council on Sexual Violence in Conflict upon
request from DPKO New York. The request is usually received beginning of November via Code Cable to the Mis-
sion, with a description of the standard content and size of the contribution. Specific information requested by the
Security Council includes:
- Information on incidents including details on parties to conflict (entities and/or individuals) that are credibly
suspected of committing or being responsible for acts of rape or other forms of sexual violence;
- Information on patterns and trends of sexual violence in situations of conflict, post-conflict and other
situations of concern;
Annex | 149
Annex (continued)
- Information on the implementation of its resolutions, including progress in dialogue with parties to conflict for
commitments, and actions taken to ensure accountability.
17. Biannual (every six months): Working Group Review on CRSV
Typically, 4-5 pages of narrative, including overview of the situation; major/indicative incidents during the reporting
period; parties to the conflict; analysis of trends and patterns of reported /documented cases; status of dialogue and
implementation of commitments; actions carried out by parties to conflict, Government or UN entities during the re-
porting period including to address impunity; recommendations.
18. Quarterly: Quarterly Activity Reports

These reports are compiled and edited following a format given by DPKO. The reports describe activities of the various
components of the Mission and the UNCT in the area of CRSV and issue a set of recommendations.
19. Quarterly: Secretary-General’s report on DRC to the Security Council

Information on sexual violence as a specific aspect of the mandate of the Mission is integrated into the report of the
Secretary-General to the Security Council.
20. Other reports and information on conflict related sexual violence incidents or threats
Such reports should be brought to the attention of SRSG-SVC as part of the ongoing monitoring and reporting of
relevant UN entities or relevant sections of MONUSCO. This includes inter alia, situation reports, public human rights,
periodic reports, special investigations reports and thematic reports, and reports to the UN Human Rights Council.
The SRSG-SVC will receive the reports at UN Headquarters level, as transmitted by SRSG through the established
reporting channels.
Information sharing with other data systems

21. The MARA members should adhere to established WHO ethical standards and safety criteria, concerning
security, confidentiality, anonymity, informed consent, safety and protection from retribution, and protection of
the data (see annex 2). Security protocols for handling confidential information must be created to have a secure
environment in which organizations can share and transfer critical data safely. The MARA in DRC builds on
existing information management systems, such as the MRM and the OHCHR Case Database, with a coherent
information management approach with common definitions and language (see information management
guidelines for DRC in Annex III).
22. The MARA Working Group monitors incidents of sexual violence against women, men and children. Information
is reported according to SC Resolution 1960. For cases of sexual violence against children, reporting is done
according to SC Resolutions 1612 and 1882. To facilitate information exchange and coordinated action,
MONUSCO Child Protection Advisers and UNICEF Child Protection Officers, the co-chairs of 1612/1882 MRM
Country Task Forces, participate in the MARA Working Group. Likewise Women Protection Advisers participate
in the 1612/1882 consultations.
23. The humanitarian GBV database and the MARA take different but complementary approaches on gathering and
sharing data on CRSV. The GBV database is a service-based database, which records data based on access and
services/consultations provided by specialised GBV actors. Collected data include all forms of GBV and do not
necessarily include information about perpetrators. The MARA aims to identify perpetrators, trends and patterns
of conflict-related sexual violence, in order to report to the Security Council and fight against impunity. Both
systems create a knowledge base for strengthening prevention and response to CRSV. In addition, the MARA
includes a dialogue with armed groups and security forces with the aim to dissuade potential perpetrators.
150 | Annex
III. The Joint Consultation Forum on conflict-related sexual violence
Objective
Monitoring and analyzing CRSV in DRC requires expertise from broad range of actors, in order to enhance data collection.
Some actors are humanitarian in nature and may therefore have policies which do not allow them to engage in processes
linked to referral for sanctions by the Security Council. In order to collect information and recommendations from these
actors, regular meetings of a consultative forum should be convened, the so called Joint Consultation Forum (JCF).
The Forum should be separate and distinct from the MARA Working Group and should not have the sensitive role of
identifying perpetrators and verifying information on incidents. The JCF should be organized by a national institution or
actors of the civil society. Considering the limited capacity encountered by all organizations, in particular in field locations,
consultations could be held during or following the GBV sub-cluster or GBV working group meetings. At the central level,
consultations between the SWPA and key INGOs intervening in GBV issues are to be held on a regular basis, to ensure that
their recommendations can be included in UN reports as required.
Leadership and Composition

The leadership and composition should build upon the presence and existing capacity of relevant humanitarian actors and
government institutions in a particular field location. The GBV sub-cluster or working group should determine the mem-
bership of the JCF in consultation with the MARA Working Group. Members may include representatives of international
and local NGOs, representatives of health service providers, including national representatives of the Ministries of Health,
Social Affairs, and Justice, on a need basis.
Function
The Joint Consultation Forum will review and discuss available aggregated and anonymized information and analysis on
CRSV from a wide range of sources such as UN and NGO reports, Government health or police data, and information from
the GBV database. Members should provide the forum with their analysis of the situation, including their perspective on
trends and patterns of sexual violence. It can also perform the following tasks:
n Make recommendations for advocacy and action to prevent and respond to sexual violence to the MARA Working
Group;
n Feed their knowledge on trends and patterns into the analysis of the Working Group in order to better contextualize
information regarding incidents and alleged perpetrators;
n Contribute to better coordination among actors for advocacy and response to address CRSV including efforts to
generate real-time preventative action.
Members of the MARA Working Group and the GBV sub-cluster or working group are encouraged to take an inclusive
approach when inviting organizations and institutions for participation in the JCF to ensure a broad membership.
MARA TOR ANNEX

Ethical and safety criteria for monitoring sexual violence
1. The benefits to respondents or communities of documenting sexual violence must be greater than the risk to
respondents and communities.
2. Information gathering and documentation must be done in a manner that presents the least risk to respondents,
is methodologically sound, and builds on current experience and good practice.
3. Ideally, basic care and support to victims/survivors must be available locally before commencing any activity that
may involve the individuals disclosing information about their experiences of sexual violence.
4. The safety and security of all those involved in information gathering about sexual violence is of paramount concern
and in conflict settings in particular should be monitored continuously.
Annex | 151
Annex (continued)
5. The confidentiality of individuals who provide information about sexual violence must be protected at all times.
6. Anyone providing information about sexual violence must give informed consent before participating in the data gath-
ering activity.
7. All those undertaking monitoring must be carefully selected and receive relevant and sufficient specialized training and
ongoing support.
8. Additional safeguards must be put into place if children are to be the subject of information gathering.
9. In contexts where human rights monitoring reports are part of the data gathering process, any information on sexual
violence should be gathered in the context of monitoring of other human rights violations and in adherence to ethical
and safety principles.
10. It is critically important that any data generated from service delivery points to support MARA be combined with data
from additional sources so that it may not be traced to its point of origin.
11. In any context where data will be shared with actors beyond a single agency or service point, there must be a Data
Sharing Protocol in place that clarifies for what purpose and how data will be shared and managed and who controls
the information, as well as the parameters of how it can be shared onwards.
12. Sexual violence survivors must provide formal consent for their information to be shared and they must understand
the different ways that their information can be used, the safeguards in place, and what the potential repercussions
could be.
13. Avoid to expose survivors to multiple interviews and assessments.
Basic Monitoring Principles

Do no harm – The foremost duty of monitors is to the victims and potential victims of conflict-related sexual violence. At a
minimum, their action or inaction must not jeopardize the safety of victims, witnesses or other individuals with whom they
come into contact.
Respect the mandate – Monitors need to understand the mandate given to them, bear it in mind at all times and know
how to apply it and interpret it in specific situations.
Know the standards – Full familiarity with the international human rights and
International Humanitarian Law standards relevant to sexual violence.
Credibility – is crucial to successful monitoring. Monitors must make no promises that they cannot keep and should follow
up on promises they make.
Impartiality – The monitors should gather information and document on violations of conflict-related sexual violence by all
parties with equal thoroughness and not be seen as siding with one party over another.
Objectivity – It is require to maintain an objective attitude and appearance at all times. When gathering information, all facts
should be considered objectively without prejudice or bias.
Confidentiality – Survivor centered approach and informed consent. Respect for the confidentiality of information re-
ceived is essential. Informed consent must always be sought from victims/survivors and other individuals to use the
information they provide for reporting or other purposes. The identities of victims, witnesses, source of information and
alleged perpetrators should never appear in public reports. Special measures to safeguard the confidentiality of recorded
information must always be taken as use of passwords.
Security – Primary consideration must be given to the security of monitors, as well as of survivors of sexual violence,
their families and communities, witnesses and other sources of information. Security measures should be put in place to
protect their identities. Protocols to secure information and data, including compliance by all staff, must be established
and enforced.
152 | Annex
MARA Working Group on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence for Iraq
Terms of Reference
Introduction
1. On 23 September 2016, in the context of Security Council resolution (SCR) 2106 (2013), the UN agreed with the
Government of Iraq a joint communiqué (the “Joint Communiqué”) as a framework of cooperation to prevent and address
conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV)183 committed in the country. Furthermore, in line with UN SCR 2299 (2016), UNAMI
deployed a Senior Women Protection Advisor in February to coordinate and support UN efforts towards addressing
CRSV184. Following the visit of SRSG- SVC Bangura and the deployment of the Senior Women Protection Adviser,
a number of follow-actions have been proposed to support the Government of Iraq implement the Joint Communiqué
and at the same time advance the implementation of Women Peace and Security resolutions addressing CRSV185. These
are setting-up of the MARA mechanism for Iraq and initiating the development of an implementation plan for the Joint
Communiqué.
Scope of Work
2. The focus of the Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Arrangements (MARA) Mechanism will be on sexual violence
committed in context of the ongoing conflict with ISIL and conflicts involving other parties. The purpose of the MARA to
ensure the systematic gathering of timely, accurate, reliable and objective information on CRSV against women, men,
girls and boys in Iraq in line with UN provided guidance186. This information will be used to promote increased relevant
and timely action to prevent and respond to CRSV. The MARA is an opportunity to promote adherence to and oper-
ationalization of safe and ethical practices of collecting information on CRSV. Information from the MARA will inform
strategic advocacy, enhance prevention and programmatic responses for survivors and contribute to the development
of Comprehensive Strategies to combat sexual violence at country-level within the framework of the Joint Communiqué
on Prevention and Response to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence. The MARA will also serve as the basis for UN Security
Council action, including imposing sanctions and other targeted measures.
Terms of Reference
3. The MARA Working Group (WG) shall undertake the following tasks;
i. Review information of CRSV drawing on a network of information sources;
ii. Analyse data, trends and patterns of sexual violence;
iii. Prepare draft reports which will be transmitted by the SRSG to SRSG-SVC;
iv. Agree on protocols for sharing information, secure management and storage;
v. Coordinate with other UN monitoring mechanisms in gathering information e.g. the GBVIMS187, the MRM on
CAAC (verification of information will be conducted by Human Rights Office)188;
vi. Ensure coordination and information sharing for the development of strategies and in the implementation of the
Joint Communiqué on Prevention and Response to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
vii. Advise and make recommendations to the SRSG on high-level demarches and advocacy, Clusters, working
groups, relevant governments officials etc.;
183 Conflict-related sexual violence refers to incidents or patterns of sexual violence that is rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced
pregnancy, enforced sterilization, or any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity against women, men, girls and boys. Such
incidents or patterns occur in conflict or post-conflict settings or other situations of concern. They also have a direct or indirect nexus
with the conflict or political strife itself that is a temporal, geographic and or causal link.
184 UN SCR 2106 (2013) para. 7 & 8 call for the deployment of Women Protection Advisors to UN DPKO and DPA missions.
185 UN SCR 1820 (2008), 1888 (2009), 1960 (2010), 2106 (2013).
186 Provisional Guidance Note on the Implementation of UN SCR 1960 on WPS ( CRSV) June 2011
187 Gender-based Violence Information Management Systems
188 Guidance materials e.eg the Inter-Section between the MARA and the GBVIMS will be used as relevant and appropriate.
Annex | 153
Annex (continued)
viii. Consult with the designated CRSV High-level focal points, relevant government institutions and UN, relevant
working groups e.g. the GBV Sub-clusters/working groups) on issues of concern identified by the Working Group;
ix. Create/raise awareness on the MARA WG in the broader humanitarian community and other relevant stakeholders;
x. Undertake monitoring missions within Iraq with a view to understanding the prevalence of the early warning
indicators on conflict-related sexual violence.
Relationships and Accountability

4. The MARA WG is accountable to the SRSG and shall keep the SRSG and the UNCT regularly informed of its work.
When necessary, it may recommend that the SRSG convenes Heads of UN system entities on issues which have policy
implications.
5. The MARA WG shall closely liaise with the Protection Cluster, GBV Sub-cluster, Child Protection Sub-cluster and other
relevant working groups to obtain, exchange and share information on trends and patterns on CRSV and other related
information.
6. The MARA WG shall also seek the input of civil society actors, academics, women’s rights activities, religious leaders,
as appropriate to discuss information on analysis and trends on CRSV. Sensitive information will not be discussed in
meetings with these interlocutors.
Membership and meetings

7. The MARA WG will be chaired by the Senior Women Protection Advisor/UNAMI. The alternate chair of the WG is UNHCR.
The co-chair is UNHCHR/HRO and alternate co-chair, UNFPA.
8. The MARA Working Group shall meet quarterly, either in person or by VTC.
9. Ad hoc meetings shall be held as the need arises as requested by the chair.
Reporting, Periodicity and Information Flow

10. The SRSG on behalf of the Working Group, shall transmit reports on CRSV to the SRSG-SVC through the established
reporting channels. Reports will be compiled on the basis of information from the MARA. Specific information requested
by the Security Council includes:
a. Information on incidents including details on parties to conflict (entities and/or individuals) that are credibly
suspected of committing or being responsible for acts of rape or other forms of sexual violence;
b. Information on patterns and trends of CRSV;
c. Information of the implementation of its resolutions, progress made in implementing commitments on CRSV such
as the Joint Communiqué on Prevention and Response to CRSV and actions taken to ensure accountability.
11. The MARA Working Group will be responsible for the following periodic reporting:
a. Input to the Report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council (Annual);
b. Working Group biannual review on CRSV (Every 6 months). Typically, 4-5 pages of narrative, including overview of
the situation; major/indicative incidents during the reporting period; parties to the conflict; analysis of trends and
patterns of reported/documented cases; status of dialogue and implementation of commitments to address CRSV;
actions carried out by parties to the conflict, Government or UN entities during the reporting period including to
address impunity; recommendations);
c. Inputs on CRSV as a specific aspect of the mandate report of UNAMI submitted quarterly to the Security Council.
d. In addition, other reports and information on grave sexual violence incidents or threats should continue to be brought
to the attention of the SRSG-SVC as part of the ongoing monitoring and reporting of UNAMI and the relevant UN
entities. SRSG-SVC will receive the reports at UN Headquarters level, as transmitted by the SRSG.
154 | Annex
6. Monitoring CRSV by Human Rights Components: the Five W’s and How
The following table synthesizes the key elements for WPAs and CRSV focal points in Human Rights Components when
gathering information about an incident of sexual violence.189 The information collected should be helpful in determining:
the type of CRSV, a pattern of CRSV and responsibility for CRSV.
n Who: The profile of the perpetrator/s, including information on uniforms, insignia, words spoken, etc which will
allow to link them with the acts of sexual violence
n What: The type of sexual violence, including information, which assist in satisfying the legal elements of the
alleged violation and methods used by the perpetrator to commit sexual violence
n Who: The profile of the victim/survivor, including sex, age and belonging to an ethnic or religious group, etc.
n When and where: Incident information, including date and location
n How and why: circumstances in which the type of sexual violence happened and possible motive (e.g. description
of events and other/s present before, during and after the incident, public statements related to the attack,
expressions of persecutory intent, etc)
n Additional information which assists in establishing the link to the conflict (climate of impunity, cross-border
dimension, violation of cease-fire agreement)

n Any other additional information on responses provided and follow-up conducted by HRC personnel on a specific
CRSV incident
Gathering contextual information on the circumstances in which incidents of sexual violence occurred, for example, check-
points manned by the police, spikes in inter-communal violence, violations to cease fire agreements, migration detention
centres controlled by armed groups, etc. is critical for the S/WPAs and MARA Working Group to be able to establish
the links between sexual violence incidents and a situation of conflict. This information is also relevant for corroboration
purposes, as many times, it is difficult to verify allegations of sexual violence for several reasons, including stigma. Therefore,
the verification of a case may occur where a coherent, consistent testimony from a victims/survivor or a witness corresponds
to and is consistent with a pattern of similar cases.190
For additional guidance, personnel in Human Rights Components can refer to:
n OHCHR Manual on Human Rights Monitoring (2011), available at: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/PublicationsResources/
Pages/MethodologicalMaterials.aspx
n OHCHR, Integrating a gender perspective into human rights investigations: Guidance and Practice (2018), available in
English, French, Spanish and Arabic at: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/PublicationsResources/Pages/Methodological
Materials.aspx
n OHCHR Guidance on investigating Sexual Violence (forthcoming 2020).
189 See: OHCHR guidance on investigating Sexual Violence (forthcoming 2020).

190 See: OHCHR, Integrating gender into human rights investigations, p. 18 (2018)
Annex | 155
Annex (continued)
7. Joint Communiqué of the Central African Republic and the United Nations on
Prevention and Response to CRSV (2019)
Communiqué conjoint
entre la République
centrafricaine et
l’Organisation des
Nations Unies
Prévention et lutte contre les violences sexuelles liées au conflit
31 mai 2019
156 | Annex
Annex | 157
158 | Annex
Annex | 159

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The Handbook for United Nations Field Missions on Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual

Design and layout of the Handbook was done by Frank DiCostanzo/ddacommunications.com.

Copyright © United Nations 2020

Reference Number 2020.08

Part I: United Nations Field Missions and the Conflict-Related

Chapter One: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the

Chapter Three: Operational and Coordination Frameworks to Address

Chapter Four: The Survivor-Centred Approach and Referral Pathways...............................................35

Chapter Five: Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Advising and Mainstreaming................................43

Chapter Seven: Monitoring, Analysing and Reporting on

Chapter Eight: Providing Physical Protection to Prevent and Respond

Chapter Nine: Engagement for Commitments with Parties to the Conflict

List of References.................................................................................................................................................................. 130

CAR..................... Central African Republic MONUSCO........ United Nations Organization Stabilization

CPA..................... Child Protection Advisor MRM................... Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism

CRSV.................. Conflict-related sexual violence NGO.................... Non-governmental organization

DPO..................... Department of Peace Operations QRF..................... Quick Reaction Force

DRC..................... Democratic Republic of the Congo ROE..................... Rules of Engagement

United Nations Field Missions Preventing and Responding to CRSV | 1

2 | United Nations Field Missions Preventing and Responding to CRSV

Color coding for text boxes:

United Nations Field Missions Preventing and Responding to CRSV | 3

The UN Action Against Sexual Violence in

4 | Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate

SECTION 1: DEFINING CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE

The United Nations defines CRSV as:

Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate | 5

SECTION 2: UNDERSTANDING CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE

2.1. THE LINKS BETWEEN CONFLICT AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE

6 | Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate

Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate | 7

8 | Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate

CRSV against men, boys, and LGBTI persons

Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate | 9

CRSV to punish civilians or target specific groups

£ Climate of impunity and State collapse

CRSV in the context of migration and trafficking in Libya

13 See UNSCR 2331 (2016).

10 | Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate

CRSV in violation of the comprehensive peace agreement in South Sudan

2.2. CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE

fossil-fuel reserves, forests, water sources, etc.);

n As a form of socialization and group bonding

between perpetrators, incentive for recruitment,

Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate | 11

Perpetrating CRSV often

12 | Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate

The founder of a UN Photo/Ahmed

Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate | 13

14 | Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate

Common wrongful assumptions

Victims/survivors of CRSV will Every person processes trauma differently. A victim/

Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate | 15

16 | Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate

SECTION 4: CHALLENGES TO PREVENTING AND RESPONDING TO CONFLICT-RELATED

Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate | 17

18 | Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate

Chapter 1: Conceptual Foundation and the Evolution of the CRSV Mandate | 19

SECTION 1: THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK ON CONFLICT-RELATED SEXUAL VIOLENCE

1.1. SEXUAL VIOLENCE AS A VIOLATION OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW