Chinkin, Christine

The authors explore the structure of the concept of jus cogens: "fundamental legal norms from which no derrogation is permitted". They argue that the concept is not properly universal, as its development has privileged the experiences of men over those of women, and it has provided a protection to men that is not accorded to women.

This article examines the interplay between the right to self-determination and the prohibition against the use of force in Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter. The author uses the examples of Palestine and Afghanistan to explore the gendered implications of nationalist struggles and militarization. The author concludes that the continued subordination of women cannot be consistent

This paper considers the response of international law to rape and other forms of sexual abuse committed against women during the course of an armed conflict. The author identifies the relevant substantive law as well as the possible international foras where enforcement might be pursued. She then asks whether international legal remedies offer an adequate response to rape. She concludes

This paper was presented as the introduction to a symposium on "Feminist Interventions in International Law". It reviews the short history of feminist scholarship in the field of international law, providing an overview of some gain made while expressing skepticism about the viability of real transformation of the system. She suggests that the gains that have been made are primarily in the area

This is a descriptive note on the preparation for the Beijing conference and the final conference documents. Focusing on the Beijing Platform for Action (PFA), the author concludes that it is basically ineffectual as it contains no firm commitments, lacks formal legal status and fails to provide concrete targets or resources for implementation.

This article examines the relationships between self-determination, access to food, and women's lives. The argument that the production, purchase, and distribution of food is inextricably linked to women's lives on a global scale is demonstrated through women's life stories in Canada, Australia, Estonia, Zimbabwe, and Afghanistan. The authors explore the complex relationship between political and civil rights and social, economic, and cultural rights and the significance of all rights in the context of food. The article focuses on international

This paper considers international legal responses to rape and other forms of sexual abuse committed against women during the course of an armed conflict. The author identifies the relevant substantive law as well as the possible international fora where enforcement might be pursued. She then asks whether international legal remedies offer an adequate response to rape. She concludes that the international system focuses too much on punishing the wrong-doer and not enough on compensating the victim.