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Increasing the Cost of Rape: Using Targeted Sanctions to Deter Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict

Authored by: Najwa M. Nabti

Categories: Human Rights, Violent Conflict
Sub-Categories: Access to Justice and Rule of Law, Economic Recovery, Peacemaking, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), UN Resolutions
Region: No Region
Year: 2015
Citation: Nabti, Najwa M. "Increasing the Cost of Rape: Using Targeted Sanctions to Deter Sexual Violence in Armed Conflict." In: Marossi A., Bassett M. (eds) "Economic Sanctions under International Law." The Hague: T.M.C. Asser Press, 2015.

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Abstract

Increasingly, the UNSC has applied targeted sanctions against individuals and entities in an effort to deter sexual violence against civilians in conflict. The use of targeted sanctions for this purpose marks a fundamental shift in the international community’s perceptions regarding conflict-related sexual violence, now considered a threat to international peace and security warranting UNSC intervention. This chapter considers the UNSC’s use of targeted sanctions to deter wartime sexual violence, as one available tool within the larger framework of women, peace and security initiatives to combat sexual violence in conflict. While the UNSC’s ability to impose targeted sanctions has the potential for deterrence, improved implementation is needed to increase the cost of permitting or using sexual violence in conflict. The chapter concludes with recommendations to improve the effectiveness of targeted sanctions through consistent, comprehensive, and transparent action against responsible persons.