Global Conflict-Related Sexual Violence: Genocide, Impunity and Justice

Sexual violence in conflict, often referred to as conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), refers to some form of sexual and/or reproductive violence perpetrated against women, men, girls and boys that is directly or indirectly related to the conflict. This includes rape, sexual slavery, forced prostitution, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, enforced sterilisation, forced marriage, and any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity. The perpetrators of CRSV vary between each case and include state and non-state armed groups, including terrorist organisations.

This book examines some of the recent manifestations of sexual violence as atrocity crimes, and especially, prohibited acts to bring about genocide, the responses to these crimes, and issues that continue to be neglected, including in relation to the duty to prevent. The work structures the discussion around the prevalence of CRSV, its use as a tool of genocide, and other international crimes, and the failures of legal and institutional responses. By combining thematic chapters on international law and accountability with case studies, the study provides a balance between theoretical critique and empirical analysis. It further engages with the debates on what is needed to bring about change, looking at specific policy and law reforms. The work also examines the way forward, including recommendations to introduce an international convention specifically focused on CRSV, and a permanent mechanism on CRSV.

The book will be of interest to academics, researchers and policy-makers working in the areas of International Criminal Law, International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights Law, Constitutional Law, Legal History, Security Studies and Genocide Studies.