IHTIMUN’25
UNITED NATIONS
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
UNITED NATIONS
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
Table of contents
Letter from the Chair_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _3
Introduction to UNCSW _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 4
Definition of Key Terms _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _5
Introduction _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _6
Historical Context _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _7
Past actions_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 8
Current Situation_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 9
Bibliography_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 10
2
UNITED NATIONS
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
Background Guide: United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW)
Topic: Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Conflict Zones
Letter from the Chair
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to the 2025 session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
(UNCSW). It is both a privilege and a profound responsibility to engage with one of the
most pressing humanitarian crises of our time—gender-based violence (GBV) in conflict
zones. In regions affected by armed conflict, the breakdown of societal structures often
leaves vulnerable populations, especially women and girls, exposed to targeted violence
used as a deliberate weapon of war. The consequences of such violence extend beyond
the physical and psychological trauma suffered by individuals; they also undermine
societal stability and long-term peacebuilding efforts.
Throughout this conference, I encourage you to approach this issue with empathy, rigor,
and a commitment to diplomacy. Effective resolutions must be rooted in evidence-based
research and respect for international law. As you prepare your position papers and
engage in debate, focus on practical, enforceable solutions that reflect the complexity of
the issue. Consider the legal, social, and cultural dimensions of GBV, as well as the
importance of international cooperation in holding perpetrators accountable and providing
survivors with the support they need.
I look forward to witnessing the innovative ideas and thoughtful discussions that you will
undoubtedly bring to the table.
Sincerely,
The board of Chairs
3
UNITED NATIONS
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
Introduction to UNCSW
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) is a principal global
intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of
women. Established in 1946, UNCSW operates under the Economic and Social Council
(ECOSOC) of the United Nations and serves as a vital platform for shaping global
standards and policies on women's rights. Over the decades, the commission has played
a pivotal role in addressing gender disparities and advocating for the protection of
women's rights in various contexts, including conflict zones where gender-based violence
(GBV) remains a critical concern.
Key Milestones:
● 1946: UNCSW was established as a functional commission of ECOSOC to promote
women’s rights globally.
● 1979: The adoption of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) marked a significant step toward formalizing
women's rights in international law.
● 1995: The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action set a comprehensive agenda
for advancing women's rights, focusing on critical areas such as violence against
women, economic empowerment, and political participation.
● Present: UNCSW continues to drive policy reforms and international cooperation,
with a focus on addressing contemporary issues such as GBV in conflict zones.
UNCSW's Key Roles:
● Policy Development: Formulates international standards and policies to promote
gender equality.
● Monitoring and Evaluation: Reviews progress in the implementation of global
gender equality commitments.
● Advocacy and Awareness: Raises awareness about women's rights issues and
advocates for change at national and international levels.
● Collaboration with UN Bodies: Works closely with UN Women and other agencies
to implement gender-focused programs and initiatives.
4
UNITED NATIONS
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
Definition of Key Terms
● Gender-Based Violence (GBV): A form of violence directed at individuals based on
their gender, encompassing physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse.
GBV disproportionately affects women and girls and is often used as a weapon of
war in conflict zones.
● Conflict Zone: A geographical area experiencing armed conflict where state
authority is weakened, leading to heightened vulnerability among civilian
populations, particularly women and children.
● Sexual Violence in Conflict: Refers to acts such as rape, sexual slavery, forced
prostitution, forced pregnancy, and other forms of sexual violence that occur in
conflict settings.
● Impunity: The failure to hold perpetrators of crimes accountable. In the context of
GBV, impunity perpetuates cycles of violence by allowing offenders to act without
fear of punishment.
● Survivor-Centered Approach: A framework that prioritizes the rights, dignity, and
needs of survivors, ensuring they receive support and are involved in
decision-making processes that affect them.
● International Legal Frameworks: Legal instruments such as CEDAW and the
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) that provide mechanisms for
addressing and prosecuting gender-based crimes.
● Accountability Mechanisms: Systems and processes designed to ensure
perpetrators of GBV are prosecuted and justice is delivered to survivors.
● Humanitarian Access: The ability of humanitarian organizations to reach and
provide services to vulnerable populations in conflict zones without obstruction.
● Stigma: The negative societal perception and discrimination faced by survivors of
GBV, which often discourages reporting and accessing support services.
● Gender Mainstreaming: The practice of evaluating the implications of policies and
programs on individuals of different genders to promote equality and eliminate
discrimination.
5
UNITED NATIONS
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
Introduction
Gender-based violence in conflict zones remains one of the most severe and pervasive
violations of human rights in modern history. Conflict environments often result in
weakened state institutions, lawlessness, and societal breakdowns that exacerbate the
vulnerability of women and girls. The use of GBV as a strategic weapon of war is not a
new phenomenon; however, the international community has only recently begun to
address it with the urgency it demands. The devastating impact of such violence is not
limited to immediate physical harm; it perpetuates cycles of poverty, trauma, and societal
instability.
GBV in conflict zones manifests in various forms, including sexual violence, forced
marriages, trafficking, and psychological abuse. Perpetrators often exploit the chaos of
war, where law enforcement mechanisms are weak or non-existent, to commit such
atrocities with impunity. In addition to the physical injuries sustained by survivors, the
long-term psychological trauma, social stigma, and economic marginalization contribute to
a broader societal impact that can last for generations.
This background guide aims to provide delegates with a comprehensive understanding of
the historical context, current situation, key issues, and existing international frameworks
related to GBV in conflict zones. Delegates are encouraged to use this guide as a
foundational resource for research and debate, with an emphasis on finding actionable
solutions that can make a tangible difference in conflict-affected regions.
Historical Context
The use of gender-based violence as a weapon of war is as old as warfare itself, but its
formal recognition as a violation of human rights is a relatively recent development.
Throughout history, sexual violence has often been used to humiliate, dominate, and
terrorize enemy populations, yet it was not until the late 20th century that the international
community began to systematically address this issue.
● World War II and Its Aftermath: During and after World War II, reports emerged of
mass sexual violence committed by occupying forces across Europe and Asia. The
experiences of so-called "comfort women" in Japan and the mass rapes during the
occupation of Germany highlighted the use of GBV as a wartime tactic. However,
despite the scale of these atrocities, survivors were often left without recourse to
justice, as societal stigma and patriarchal norms silenced their voices.
6
UNITED NATIONS
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
● Post-Cold War Conflicts: The conflicts in the Balkans and Rwanda during the 1990s
marked a turning point in how the international community perceived gender-based
violence in conflict. In the Rwandan Genocide (1994), an estimated 250,000 to
500,000 women were raped over the course of three months. Similarly, during the
Bosnian War (1992-1995), systematic rape was used as a tool of ethnic cleansing.
These atrocities led to greater awareness and calls for international legal mechanisms
to prosecute perpetrators.
● Establishment of International Criminal Tribunals: The International Criminal
Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for
Rwanda (ICTR) were among the first to prosecute sexual violence as a war crime and
a crime against humanity. These tribunals set legal precedents for holding individuals
accountable for GBV in conflict zones.
● United Nations Security Council Resolutions:
Resolution 1325 (2000): This landmark resolution was the first to formally
recognize the disproportionate impact of armed conflict on women and the
necessity of women's involvement in peace processes. It highlighted the
importance of integrating gender perspectives in conflict resolution.
Resolution 1820 (2008): This resolution explicitly recognized sexual violence
as a tactic of war that requires immediate and concerted action. It emphasized
the need for accountability and called for the training of peacekeepers to
prevent and respond to GBV.
Resolution 1888 (2009): Building upon the previous resolutions, this
mandated the appointment of a Special Representative on Sexual Violence in
Conflict to coordinate efforts in monitoring and reporting cases of GBV in
conflict zones.
● Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC): Adopted in 1998 and
entering into force in 2002, the Rome Statute classified rape, sexual slavery, enforced
prostitution, forced pregnancy, and other forms of sexual violence as war crimes and
crimes against humanity. The establishment of the ICC provided a permanent
international judicial body to prosecute these crimes.
7
UNITED NATIONS
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
Past actions
● International Legal Frameworks:
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), adopted in 1998, serves
as a pivotal legal instrument addressing war crimes, including acts such as rape and
sexual slavery. This statute provides the ICC with jurisdiction to prosecute individuals
responsible for egregious gender-based atrocities committed in conflict zones,
ensuring that such crimes do not go unpunished and reinforcing global accountability
mechanisms.
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979, has been
fundamental in establishing international norms aimed at eliminating gender-based
discrimination and violence. Although not specifically tailored to conflict situations, the
principles enshrined in CEDAW have been widely applied in conflict-affected areas to
ensure that women's rights are upheld even in the most challenging circumstances.
● Establishment of Specialized Bodies:
The Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict was
established to enhance the United Nations' capacity to monitor, report, and advocate
against the use of sexual violence in conflict zones. This body works in close
coordination with other UN agencies and member states to implement preventive
measures, support survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable under
international law.
UN Women has played a crucial role in policy development and advocacy efforts,
focusing on empowering women in conflict zones and addressing systemic violence
through grassroots initiatives, international partnerships, and policy reforms aimed at
creating long-term structural change.
● Humanitarian and Health Initiatives:
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) operates in some of the most
challenging environments, providing essential medical and psychological support for
survivors of sexual violence in conflict zones. This organization ensures that
immediate care is accessible despite the logistical difficulties posed by ongoing
conflicts.
8
UNITED NATIONS
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
Current Situation
Gender-based violence remains a pervasive and critical issue in contemporary conflict
zones. The persistence of GBV in these regions is perpetuated by systemic breakdowns,
weakened institutions, and deliberate strategies employed by armed groups to terrorize
civilian populations. This complex issue continues to undermine human rights, public
health, and efforts to achieve long-term peace and stability.
● Systematic Use and Prevalence:
In conflict zones such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, armed groups have
been reported to systematically employ sexual violence as a method of displacing
communities and asserting control over territory. Similar patterns have been observed
in Syria, Myanmar, Yemen, and other regions experiencing prolonged conflict, where
women and girls are disproportionately targeted due to their vulnerable status in
societal hierarchies.
The breakdown of legal and law enforcement structures during armed conflicts
exacerbates the vulnerability of civilians. In many cases, acts of gender-based
violence are committed with impunity, as there is little to no functional judicial
oversight to hold perpetrators accountable.
● Impact on Public Health and Humanitarian Access:
Limited access to healthcare services in conflict zones leaves survivors struggling to
receive adequate medical treatment, with sexually transmitted infections and mental
health disorders being prevalent consequences. The absence of consistent healthcare
infrastructure further compounds the suffering of survivors.
Humanitarian organizations frequently encounter logistical and security challenges
when delivering aid in conflict zones. Attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel
are not uncommon, further complicating efforts to provide timely and effective
assistance.
● Challenges in Legal Accountability:
Domestic judicial systems in conflict-affected countries often lack the capacity or
willingness to prosecute perpetrators, resulting in widespread impunity. In cases
where international legal mechanisms are invoked, the process is protracted,
resource-intensive, and frequently hindered by geopolitical considerations.
9
UNITED NATIONS
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
Sovereignty concerns and geopolitical interests present additional obstacles, as some
governments refuse to cooperate with international investigations or allow access to
conflict areas. This obstructs the collection of evidence necessary for successful
prosecutions.
● Social and Cultural Barriers:
Cultural stigma and societal taboos surrounding sexual violence deter many survivors
from reporting their experiences or seeking help. This perpetuates cycles of violence
and marginalization, as victims are left without the support needed for recovery.
The disintegration of community structures due to mass violence leaves survivors
isolated, with limited social support systems available to aid in their recovery and
reintegration. Addressing these social dimensions is crucial to achieving long-term
resilience and healing.
Bibliography
● UN Women - Gender-Based Violence in Conflict Zones:
[Link]
● UN Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace, and Security:
[Link]
● Health Impacts of Sexual Violence in Conflict: [Link]
● Reports on Human Rights Violations and Gender-Based Violence:
[Link]
● Rome Statute and Accountability for Gender-Based Crimes:
[Link]
10