Women and Children: The Cutting Edge of International Law

This article discusses the ways in which the rights of women and children have impacted the substance and procedures of international law. First, these rights have influenced how international law is created and developed in relation to state practice. These rights also infringe on the presumption of state sovereignty, the foundation of traditional international law. The inclusion of women's and children's issues within the international framework has redefined the role of non- state actors within international law. Moreover, international criminal jurisprudence has recently developed new and innovative doctrines to encompass crimes against women and children. Lastly, NGO involvement in women's and children's issues at the international level has increased. The author discusses the backlash against some of these developments and concludes with a discussion of a way forward that keeps the interests of women and children in the forefront.