Rule of Law and Combating Gender-Based Violence – Welcome to the United Nations

Report on the Rule of Law and Combating Gender-Based Violence against Women and Girls Virtual Film Festival

Introduction

The Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions, Department of Peace Operations, hosted a virtual film festival from 11 to 15 December 2025. The event focused on the critical themes of rule of law and combating gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls. This initiative aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Event Overview

The festival featured multiple virtual film screenings, each under 15 minutes, followed by expert panel discussions. The sessions emphasized the role of rule of law and security institutions in delivering justice and addressing gender-based violence. Participants engaged in guided discussions and an open question-and-answer session, fostering interactive dialogue on these pressing issues.

Expert Participation

• United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
• United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)
• UN Team of Experts on Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict
• Justice and Corrections Service
• Non-Governmental Organizations including Physicians for Human Rights, Ideas Partnership, and Steward Women

Featured Films and Sessions

1. Kavumu Case

   Date & Time: Thursday, 11 December, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM EST

   This film documented the systematic abduction and rape of over forty girls under 12 years old in Kavumu between 2013 and 2016. The attacks, initially perceived as isolated, were revealed to be orchestrated by a local militia. With support from the UN Team of Experts, UN Peacekeeping, the Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions, and Physicians for Human Rights, legal proceedings led to the arrest and prosecution of militia leaders, including a senior politician. This case highlights the importance of SDG 16 by promoting justice and strong institutions to combat violence.

2. Survivors of Sexual Violence Finally Get Justice Through UNMISS-Supported Mobile Court in Bentiu

   Date & Time: Friday, 12 December, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM EST

   The film follows Nyaruach, a survivor of sexual violence at age 17, who witnessed the sentencing of perpetrators to 10 years in jail by a mobile court in Bentiu. Supported by UNMISS, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and Norway, the mobile court brings justice to underserved regions, advancing SDG 16 by ensuring access to justice for all.

3. Romni

   Date & Time: Monday, 15 December, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM EST

   This film portrays the life of Shpresa, a 15-year-old girl from Obilic, Kosovo, navigating the challenges between traditional expectations and personal aspirations. The story reflects on early initiation into adult responsibilities and societal pressures, underscoring the need for gender equality and empowerment in line with SDG 5.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 5 – Gender Equality: The festival’s focus on combating gender-based violence directly supports efforts to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: By highlighting the role of justice systems and security institutions in addressing GBV, the event promotes peaceful and inclusive societies with access to justice for all.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: The mobile court initiative and legal proceedings showcased in the films contribute to reducing inequalities by ensuring marginalized groups receive justice.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, please contact:

• Elizabeth McInnes: Elizabeth.mcinnes@un.org
• Juveriah Hussain: Juveriah.hussain@un.org

Note: All references to Kosovo are understood in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article focuses on combating gender-based violence against women and girls, which directly relates to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The emphasis on rule of law, justice, and security institutions highlights the importance of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 5 Targets:
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • Target 5.3: Eliminate harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation (implied through the focus on young girls and societal expectations).
2. SDG 16 Targets:
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels (implied through the involvement of UN missions and mobile courts).
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels (implied through panel discussions and engagement with affected communities).

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 5:
   • Proportion of women and girls subjected to sexual violence (implied by the documentation of cases such as Kavumu and Bentiu).
   • Number of legal actions taken and convictions related to gender-based violence (implied by the arrests and sentencing described).
   • Prevalence of harmful practices such as child marriage (implied by the film “Romni” addressing early initiation into adult roles).
2. Indicators for SDG 16:
   • Number of people accessing justice through mobile courts or other judicial mechanisms (implied by the mobile court in Bentiu).
   • Number of cases resolved through rule of law institutions (implied by the legal proceedings in Kavumu).
   • Level of participation in justice-related discussions and panels (implied by the virtual film festival format encouraging Q&A and engagement).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: un.org