Corruption, the defence and security sector, and sexual and gender-based violence

Corruption has gender dynamics that shape the forms, vulnerability to, experiences and impacts of corruption. Defence and security personnel have been implicated in forms of corruption that are directly linked to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), including sexual extortion, human trafficking, bribery and extortion in justice processes for survivors of gender-based violence.  Forms of corruption related to the arms trade, human trafficking and borders can exacerbate gendered insecurities and contribute to climates prone to SGBV. This brief highlights the need for anti-corruption measures in the defence and security sector to incorporate a gender perspective and to connect anti-corruption to obligations to address SGBV.