Rape and Sexual Abuse of Women in International Law

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. The author also stresses that it is essential that persons of all ranks be held accountable and that individuals from both sides of the conflict be brought to justice so that the process is not tainted by notions of "victor's justice". [Descriptors: Armed Conflict, International]