Features

February 23, 2009

Addressing Gender-specific Violations in Afghanistan

Systematic gender-based violence has become widespread in conflict situations. Yet only in the past decade did rape and other forms of sexual violence against women come to be considered war crimes. The psychological, social and medical needs of women too often remain unaddressed in current post-conflict justice efforts, and female ex-combatants often face stigmatization and discrimination during reintegration efforts.

Addressing Gender-specific Violations in Afghanistan, a briefing paper by ICTJ consultant Fatima Ayub, ICTJ Afghanistan Program director Sari Kouvo and co-author Yasmin Sooka, analyzes the relationship between transitional justice and gender in Afghanistan. The paper provides an overview of the past three decades of conflict and the complex gender relations in Afghan society. It also discusses transitional justice and gender in the post-2001 state-building process and concludes with recommendations on how to address gender-based violence.

The paper calls for further comparative research into women's experiences of conflict. It underscores the need for better documentation of domestic violence and war crimes targeting women, and emphasizes the role of civil society in providing support for victims, fostering accountability and promoting reconciliation.

Click here to download the report (PDF).