THE EFFECTS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN ARMED CONFLICT

ABSTRACT

Sexual violence has been committed against women, men, and children alike in times of conflict, this victim of sexual violence experience physical and psychological harm, which has a direct impact on their ability to relate with their families and communities. Rape and other forms of sexual violence, when committed in the context of an armed conflict either at the national or International sphere, constitute violations of international humanitarian law. States are obligated to prevent, criminalize and prosecute rape and other forms of sexual violence in their municipal laws and ensuring that victims have access to health care, justice, and reparations.The chapter one of this work shall explicitly describe the concept, sexual violence, sexual violence in armed conflict, its history and causes. The work shall proceed to chapter two which discusses the actions taken to combat sexual violence in armed conflict. It shall also discuss in detail the actions of international organizations, in particular the United Nations organization (UNO) in combating sexual violence in armed conflict. Thereafter, chapter three shall focus on the effects of sexual violence on women in armed conflict and chapter four shall discuss in depth the prosecution of sexual violence on women in armed conflict by the International Criminal court for Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Sierra Leone. Finally part five shall draw a conclusion and make recommendations.