WUNRN
http://www.genevacall.org/what-we-do/gender-issues/
Geneva Call Program Addresses ARMED NON-STATE ACTORS to Prevent
Sexual Violence
Geneva Call is a neutral and impartial
non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting respect by armed non-State
actors (ANSAs) for international humanitarian norms in
armed conflict and other situations of violence, in particular those related to
the protection of civilians. http://www.genevacall.org/who-we-are/
Although sexual violence is committed by
both Government Forces and Armed Non-State Actors, little is known about the
specific challenges when advocating against sexual violence committed by Armed
Non-State Actors (ANSA’s)
An ethnic armed group from Manipur, Northeast India, the Kuki National Organization (KNO), affirmed its policy to strictly prohibit and punish any act of sexual violence perpetrated by its members. It made its commitment concrete by signing Geneva Call’s Deed of Commitment prohibiting sexual violence and against gender discrimination on 22 March 2015. http://www.genevacall.org/new-step-sexual-violence-northeast-india/
Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict & Gender
Discrimination
Sexual violence and rape in particular are
pervasive in many armed conflicts. Conflict situations create a climate where
law and order are disrupted and a sense of impunity may prevail among armed
forces. Perpetrators include members of Government armed and security forces,
paramilitary groups, armed non-State actors (ANSAs),
peacekeeping forces as well as civilians. In some conflicts, sexual violence is
used strategically to terrorize and humiliate civilian populations. In other
contexts, it occurs in a more opportunistic manner, for example as a result of
a lack of discipline, or linked to a sense of impunity.
There is unfortunately no reliable data
that gives a fair illustration of the magnitude of the problem worldwide as the
number of cases of sexual violence is usually under-reported. While men
and boys are also victims of sexual violence, women and girls are particularly
at risk and represent the overwhelming majority of victims.
Armed conflict and violence tend to
exacerbate discriminatory practices between men and women as it impacts gender
roles and responsibilities.
ANSAs & Sexual Violence & Gender Discrimination
Although sexual violence is committed by
both Government forces and ANSAs, little is known about the specific challenges
when advocating against sexual violence committed by ANSAs.
While most initiatives rightly focus on
assistance to the survivors of sexual violence, little is done to engage with
(potential) perpetrators and prevent abuses from occurring in the first place.
In Geneva Call’s experience, aspects of
some ANSAs’ policies and practices are discriminatory, notably in regards to
women. Some ANSAs do include women in leadership positions or consult
them in decision-making processes, including peace negotiations. However, this
tends to be the exception rather than the rule.
International law provides a clear
framework for the prevention and prohibition of acts of sexual violence and the
protection of women and girls in armed conflict. In adopting seven resolutions
in the last decade, the UN Security Council has created key policy instruments
on Women, Peace and Security that are applicable to both States and ANSAs. In
addition, certain international treaties, such as the Convention on the Elimination of all
Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), reinforce women’s
rights, including in the context of armed conflict. Despite their significance,
these instruments provide no opportunity for ANSAs to express their willingness
to abide by these norms.
It is therefore essential to engage ANSAs
if sexual violence in armed conflict is to be prevented and prohibited and if
victims are to be helped and perpetrators sanctioned. Such engagement is also
necessary if gender discrimination is to be addressed and women’s participation
increased at all decision-making levels.
Geneva Call’s Innovative Approach
Geneva Call engages ANSAs to reduce the
threat of conflict-related sexual violence, to eliminate gender discrimination
and to promote greater participation of women in decision-making processes.
Engagement tools include dialogue, advocacy
and training. Geneva Call has also developed an innovative mechanism, the Deed of Commitment for the Prohibition of Sexual Violence
in Situations of Armed Conflict and towards the Elimination of Gender
Discrimination, that allows signatory ANSAs to undertake to
respect international standards as they cannot become parties to international
treaties.
Geneva Call supports and monitors
implementation of the Deed of Commitment by signatory ANSAs.
Geneva Call also works with community-based
organizations to build their capacities to engage with ANSAs and assist in
monitoring their commitments.