Sexual and Gender-based Violence: A Weapon of War

What are international provisions and instruments to prevent, stop, and punish crimes involving rape and other forms of sexual violence?

These conducts are not isolated occurrances in conflicts. They represent a specific strategy and an effective “weapon” of war. They have served objectives of terrorism, genocide, intimidation, ethnic cleansing, control and domination on women and men, girls and boys.

Share with us your knowledge about the international provisions on genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, etc. In your context, have there been any criminal cases of this type that have caught international attention? Share your insights by commenting and feel free to include links to relevant news articles or other materials, so that others may learn more.

In this week you will learn the following:

• How the law or armed conflict and international criminal law have gradually aknowledged gender-based violence as a key component of any forms of organised violence

• How the statutes of international criminal tribunals and of the International Criminal Court have incorporated this human rights and gender dimension in their substantial and procedural rules and in their case law

• How, the overall outcome is still mixed, as you will see.