Wartime Sexual Violence


Book Description

Reports of sexual violence in armed conflict frequently appear in political discussions and news media, presenting a stark contrast to a long history of silence and nonrecognition. Conflict-related sexual violence has transitioned rapidly from a neglected human rights issue to an unambiguous security concern on the agendas of powerful states and the United Nations Security Council. Through interviews and primary-source evidence, Kerry F. Crawford investigates the reasons for this dramatic change and the implications of the securitization of sexual violence. Views about wartime sexual violence began changing in the 1990s as a result of the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda and then accelerated in the 2000s. Three case studies—the United States' response to sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1820 in 2008, and the development of the United Kingdom’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative—illustrate that use of the weapon of war frame does not represent pure co-optation by the security sector. Rather, well-placed advocates have used this frame to advance the antisexual violence agenda while simultaneously working to move beyond the frame’s constraints. This book is a groundbreaking account of the transformation of international efforts to end wartime sexual violence.




Countering Sexual Violence in Conflict


Book Description

Sexual violence in conflict is not simply a gross violation of human rights—it is also a security challenge.




It's in Our Hands


Book Description

This report investigates causes, forms and remedies. It explores the relationship between violence against women and poverty, discrimination and militarisation. It highlights the responsibility of the state, the community and individuals for taking action to end violence against women.




Soldiers who Rape, Commanders who Condone


Book Description

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), tens of thousands of girls and women have suffered horrific acts of sexual violence. The government army is one of the main perpetrators. Commanders, even when confronted with abuses, have frequently failed to stop sexual violence and may themselves be guilty of war crimes or crimes against humanity as a consequence. In this report, Human Rights Watch looks at sexual violence committed by the army and more specifically the 14th brigade whose case illustrates the failure to enforce respect for humanitarian law. The Congolese government and international agencies have taken some measures to deal with the army's poor human rights record, sometimes as part of broader security sector reform. These efforts have so far seen only limited success. For example, while some foot soldiers have been brought to justice, commanders are usually spared prosecution. To end impunity for the military, the Congolese government should strengthen the weak military justice system; establish clear chains of command, remove army officers with responsibility for past crimes, train military of all ranks on protection of women and girls, and improve pay and living conditions for soldiers. The government should also consider establishing a mixed chamber composed of international and Congolese judges and prosecutors to prosecute military and civilian leaders responsible \ for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including sexual crimes, beyond the few individuals who will be tried by the International Criminal Court.




Voice and Agency


Book Description

"The 2012 report recognized that expanding women's agency - their ability to make decisions and take advantage of opportunities is key to improving their lives as well as the world. This report represents a major advance in global knowledge on this critical front. The vast data and thousands of surveys distilled in this report cast important light on the nature of constraints women and girls continue to face globally. This report identifies promising opportunities and entry points for lasting transformation, such as interventions that reach across sectors and include life-skills training, sexual and reproductive health education, conditional cash transfers, and mentoring. It finds that addressing what the World Health Organization has identified as an epidemic of violence against women means sharply scaling up engagement with men and boys. The report also underlines the vital role information and communication technologies can play in amplifying women's voices, expanding their economic and learning opportunities, and broadening their views and aspirations. The World Bank Group's twin goals of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity demand no less than the full and equal participation of women and men, girls and boys, around the world." -- Publisher's description.




Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict


Book Description

"In it's first part, the Global Overview, the report profiles documented conflict-related sexual violence in 51 countries - in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East - that have experienced armed conflict over the past twenty years. The second part of the report, entitled Implications for the Security Sector, explores strategies for security and justice actors to prevent and respond to sexual violence in armed conflict and post-conflict situations"--P. 4 of cover.




World Report on Violence and Health


Book Description

This report is part of WHO's response to the 49th World Health Assembly held in 1996 which adopted a resolution declaring violence a major and growing public health problem across the world. It is aimed largely at researchers and practitioners including health care workers, social workers, educators and law enforcement officials.




Gender and the Violence(s) of War and Armed Conflict


Book Description

The ebook edition of this title is Open Access, thanks to Knowledge Unlatched funding, and freely available to read online.Drawing on historical and contemporary case studies, this book delves into visual and text-based materials to unpack gender-based violence(s) perpetrated and experienced by both sexes within and beyond the conflict zone.




Women, Business and the Law 2021


Book Description

Women, Business and the Law 2021 is the seventh in a series of annual studies measuring the laws and regulations that affect women’s economic opportunity in 190 economies. The project presents eight indicators structured around women’s interactions with the law as they move through their lives and careers: Mobility, Workplace, Pay, Marriage, Parenthood, Entrepreneurship, Assets, and Pension. This year’s report updates all indicators as of October 1, 2020 and builds evidence of the links between legal gender equality and women’s economic inclusion. By examining the economic decisions women make throughout their working lives, as well as the pace of reform over the past 50 years, Women, Business and the Law 2021 makes an important contribution to research and policy discussions about the state of women’s economic empowerment. Prepared during a global pandemic that threatens progress toward gender equality, this edition also includes important findings on government responses to COVID-19 and pilot research related to childcare and women’s access to justice.