P. A. Chacko
Conflict-related sexual violence is a war crime. It is a crime against humanity. Under international law “it is a constituent of genocide. It is a threat to the collective security of people.”
“Sexual violence is a threat to every individual’s right to a life of dignity, and to humanity’s collective peace and security.” (António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General.)
What is Sexual violence in conflict?
It refers to acts of a sexual nature that are perpetrated by combatants. It includes rape and sexual slavery, often used as a weapon of war to intimidate and control populations.
It has severe physical, psychological, and social consequences for survivor. Hence, it is recognized as a serious violation of human rights.
It is often motivated by political, military or economic objectives to control territory or resources.
Civilians become the target.
The far reaching consequences are: physical and psychological trauma, social stigma, even ostracization and preventing the victims from access to social support and recovery resources.
In cases of pregnancies, ostracization of their children and denial of human dignity can take place.
Such war time atrocities may include abduction, forced recruitment and consequent sexual abuse of women.
Promoting healing process and addressing the long term consequences are important.
It is imperative to take punitive measures against the perpetrators without mercy.
We often hear such horror of sexual violence by invading armies or troops or by occupying forces.
Even UN peace keepers are accused of commiting rape on vulnerable women or using their bauthority to comit sexual offence against vulnerable persons.
For example, “Haiti is just one of many countries where peacekeepers have raped women and girls, or sexually exploited them in exchange for food or support… There are reported cases of rape by African Union forces in Somalia, French and UN peacekeepers in Central African Republic and UN troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While the UN can investigate allegations of sexual abuse and rape, peacekeeper accountability is up to the country that sends the troops. As a result, prosecutions have been rare even after media coverage and outrage.” (Skye Wheeler, Human Rights Watch, hrw.org. in, January 11, 2020).
A clear instance of protectors turning predators!