Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict (SVAC)

We not only focus on trends in violence, but also provide data and analysis on non-violent protest campaigns and sexual violence in armed conflict. More specific definitions of these terms are laid out in Box 1 below and will be presented in the various sections. The definition of conflict used in this paper is based on the Uppsala Conflict Data Program’s (UCDP) 25 battlerelated deaths threshold, and we examine state-based conflicts, non-state conflicts, and onesided violence. In this paper, we provide an overview of various aspects of conflict trends at the global level, particularly since 1989. This PRIO Paper should not necessarily be read from cover to cover but should rather be considered as a peace and conflict trends encyclopaedia. In this PRIO Paper, we provide an empirically grounded overview of global trends in conflict, non-violent resistance efforts, and sexual violence in armed conflict, which we hope can help policy and decision makers, practitioners, and regional and country experts to further understand the contexts they are working in. This approach enables us to look at cumulative global conflict trends and also to look beyond them, uncovering regional variations.

We take the lead in this effort by providing a global overview of conflict trends in this paper, as well as three associated PRIO Papers on regional conflict trends (in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, respectively).

An important first step towards achieving SDG 16 is to understand conflict dynamics over time and across continents, as well as the types of violence employed by various actors. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 calls on the world to achieve peaceful and inclusive societies and to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related deaths everywhere. Siri Aas Rustad Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) Júlia Palik Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)Īnna Marie Obermeier Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)

Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict (SVAC)