Conflict-related sexual violence and the policy implications of recent research.
In light of recent research on conflict-related sexual violence , particularly its variation in repertoire, targeting and frequency across armed organizations, what are the implications for more effective policy to address it? The question is all the more urgent for the fact that a wide range of political, religious and social actors are implementing policies, many of which are not well informed by recent research. The discussion below lays out principles to guide policy rather than recommendations for specific policies (which must be tailored; see principles 4 and 5) It focuses on policies to prevent sexual violence by armed organizations (not by civilians), and not on those to address the many needs of victims . While some of these principles apply specifically to conflict-related sexual violence, some may also apply to other types of violence against civilians by armed organizations. 1. The observed variation in conflict-related sexual violence strengthens the case fo...