Key Topics on Gender-Based Violence

1. Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War: This includes rape, sexual slavery, and forced prostitution used systematically to terrorize and destabilize communities.
2. Arbitrary Killings and Torture: Women and girls are often targeted for arbitrary killings, torture, and other forms of physical violence.

3. Forced Marriage: Conflict situations can lead to forced marriages, often as a means of survival or control.
4. Trafficking and Exploitation: The breakdown of social and political structures during conflict can lead to increased trafficking and exploitation of women and girls.
5. Impact on Health and Well-being: GBV in conflict zones can lead to severe physical and mental health issues, including increased risks of HIV/AIDS, maternal mortality, and psychological trauma.
6. Displacement and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): Women and girls who are displaced face additional vulnerabilities, including loss of livelihoods, lack of access to essential services, and increased risk of GBV.

7. Access to Education and Employment: Conflict can disrupt access to education and employment opportunities, particularly for girls, leading to long-term economic and social disadvantages.

8. Post-Conflict Challenge: Even after conflicts end, the normalization of GBV and the breakdown of rule of law can continue to pose significant risks to women and girls.