London, 26 June 2014 

On 11 June 2014, at the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, the International Protocol on the Documentation and Investigation of Sexual Violence in Conflict was launched. The Protocol is the product of a global consultation and aims to provide important guidance to “human rights and justice actors”. Although not binding, it is hoped that the Protocol will help to tackle this invidious and discriminatory crime of war.

The Protocol seeks to ensure that all sexual violence in conflict is documented and addressed. Significantly, it highlights the nexus between discrimination, particularly gender discrimination, and sexual violence. It notes that women and girls are disproportionately affected by sexual violence and that some groups are particularly likely to be targeted, including those who are internally displaced, refugees and those belonging to a specific ethnic group. 

The Protocol also sets out guidelines for practitioners with regard to evidence-gathering, interview techniques and the taking of testimony. It recommends that in the preliminary stages practitioners should conduct research and ensure they have an understanding of the gender dynamics in the area as well as any history of racial or ethnic persecution. Practitioners should also establish whether national law guarantees equality before the law. The Protocol also provides clear guidance on risk assessment and the advisable methods for storing information.

ERT’s Executive Director, Dimitrina Petrova, emphasises the importance of the Protocol:

"About ten years ago, when Darfur was in the headlines, the world was hearing about tens of thousands of women and girls raped by Janjaweed militias raiding their villages. Where are all these women today – those who survived the assaults? A few months ago, when doing field research in Sudan on gender discrimination, I was dismayed to confirm that, as far as anyone knew, not one rapist that had been prosecuted and convicted. Not only that, but sexual violence in Darfur continues today below the ashes of the past genocide, and below the radar of the media. The lack of credible research is one of the reasons why this is so. The International Protocol on the Documentation and Investigation of Sexual Violence in Conflict provides us with an extremely useful instrument for responsible reporting of sexual crimes during conflict, which is indispensable in fighting impunity."

To read the Protocol click here.