New Resolution tackles sexual violence in conflict.

It is undeniable that sexual violence is being used as a method of war and perpetrated at levels that defy belief. In too many cases the perpetrators act with impunity.

In June, the U.N. Security Council (under the presidency of the U.S.) held an Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, which concluded with the unanimous passage of Resolution 1820 on sexual violence in conflict. Some 50 other U.N. member states, not on the Security Council, co-sponsored this resolution.

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The resolution and the advocacy for its adoption was controversial, in part because there was not broad and open consultation with women's groups when it was drafted. In addition, women peace activists were troubled that the U.S. was leading the debate on this issue. Some of their discomfort was alleviated by the fact that the U.S. was taking up an initiative driven by many women's groups and governments over a long period of time.

With regard to the resolution itself, there were several substantive questions beginning with: why the focus on sexual violence? After all, Security Council Resolution 1325 (adopted in October 2000) provides a broad and fairly comprehensive framework for a range of issues affecting women, peace and security. Some argued that Resolution 1820's exclusive focus on sexual violence would undercut the powerful breadth of SCR 1325 and reduce its importance.

For some, spotlighting sexual violence in conflict is seen as reducing the issues of women and armed conflict and focusing only on the victimization of women. As many rightly argue, Resolution 1325 represented an important recognition of women as agents in conflict prevention, resolution and peace-building. It cannot simply be seen as a way to make war safe for women. For others, the more important issue is women's participation in decision-making at all levels, so that women can be recognized as agents.

However, it's a false dichotomy to think that we can classify women as either "victims" or "agents." Many women who are powerful agents of change also have been affected by sexual violence and conflict. The issues of participation and violence are inextricably linked--sexual violence is both a cause and consequence of low levels of women's participation in all decision-making. Sexual violence does more than discourage political engagement; as a women's rights activist from the Democratic Republic of Congo explained, sexual violence holds communities hostage and prevents access to markets, water and schools. Getting women and gender equality concerns into the highest levels of decision making is critical if we are to eliminate such violence. But, this is not an easy exercise.