An update on the Security Council Resolution 1820

Below is additional information as to what the Security Council Resolution 1820 (recognizing sexual violence as a war tactic) actually implies. This information is courtesy of UNIFEM and a direct quotation from an email I received.

This is a historic resolution [1820] that now stands as an essential support for the full implementation of SCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Among other provisions, the resolution:

• recognizes that efforts to prevent and respond to sexual violence as a tactic of war may be linked to the maintenance of international peace and security – ending once and for all debate over whether sexual violence belongs on the Council’s agenda as a security issue;
• affirms the recognition of sexual violence in conflict as a war crime, crime against humanity and constituent act of genocide;
• strengthens the prohibition on amnesty for such crimes;
• calls for stronger and clearer guidelines to UN peacekeepers to prevent sexual violence against civilians;
• calls for more systematic and regular reporting on the issue; and
• asserts the importance of women’s participation in all processes related to stopping sexual violence in conflict, including their participation in peace talks.