Symposium - The Yugoslav Crisis: New International Law Issues, Rape and Sexual Abuse of Women in International Law

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 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 individuals from both sides be brought to justice so that the process is not tainted by notions of "victor's justice" and that persons of all ranks be held accountable.