Sexual Violence in Conflict and Militarisation

Conflict-related sexual violence has historically been ignored as inevitable and one of the 'spoils' of war. A fortunate transformation in international politics has been the growing recognition that this is unacceptable and intolerable--indeed, a crime against humanity. This understanding in international norms and the institution of practices like 'naming and shaming' perpetrators has not, however, resulted in an end to this crime. The papers on this panel look at conflict-related sexual violence not just where violent conflict is being waged but also in highly militarised settings. The question of transitional justice and addressing such violence in post-conflict human rights regimes is also addressed.