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Rape as a Weapon of War

Monday, November 12, 2007
A number of UN officials are highlighting, for Members of the State and Security Council, the recognition of violence against women as a security issue, particularly the use of rape as a weapon of war.  The October Security Council session addressed what progress has been made in implementing Resolution 1325, a resolution which recognizes the role women play in peace and security.  Adopted in 2000, the document identifies the specific concerns of women in and after armed conflict, specifically in the context of gender-based violence. 

Despite the adoption of the resolution, concern has been voiced by UN officials over the lack of implementation of the measures to prevent the use of rape as a weapon of war.  In places such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, where sexual violence is particularly horrific, victims face ostracism not only from their community, but also from their own families if they dare to speak out about their attack.  Even if they do register their case, the chance of receiving any redress is slim, if not completely hopeless, given the total impunity these situations are normally assigned. The Council is now under pressure to address more seriously issues of remedial measures, judicial response and prevention. 

Compiled from: “Rape as a Weapon of War,” The Network of the East-West Women – Polska/NEWW, 12 November 2007.

For More Information

For more information, please visit the Sexual Assault section of this website.

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