Global responsibility : humanitarian intervention as a justified mechanism to end post-conflict widespread and systemic sexual violence

Jeeninga, Rigtje

Global responsibility : humanitarian intervention as a justified mechanism to end post-conflict widespread and systemic sexual violence

Master Thesis

2012

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Political Studies

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

Sexual violence and conflict go hand in hand. In ancient warfare, sexual violence was a common procedure, perceived as an inevitable consequence of war. Soldiers needed to 'release' after heavy fighting; sexual distraction would reward, motivate and relax them. In other words, sexual violence was seen as 'collateral damage' and was therefore never prosecuted as a crime. This practice started to change after the Second World War. In fact, at the moment the existence of sexual violence was internationally acknowledged, women's rights gained recognition and several forms of sexual violence were classified. Finally, sexual violence was labeled as a 'weapon of war'.

Description

Includes bibliographical references.

Keywords

Political Studies

Reference:

Collections

Masters

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