War against women

Today more than ever, countries and parties to an armed conflict must do their utmost to uphold respect for the safety and dignity of women in wartime. Women themselves must be more closely involved in all the measures taken on their behalf.

Every country bound by the treaties of international humanitarian law has the duty to promote the rules protecting women from any form of violence in war, and, should crimes occur, to bring the perpetrators to justice.

If women have to bear so many of the tragic effects of armed conflict, it is not primarily because of any shortcomings in the rules protecting them, but because these rules are all too often not observed.

The general and specific protection to which women are entitled must become a reality. Constant efforts must be made to promote knowledge of and compliance with the obligations of international humanitarian law, by as wide an audience as possible and using all available means. An environment that maintains world peace and promotes and protects human rights is an important factor for the advancement of women. Violations of the human rights of women in situations of armed conflict are violations of the fundamental principles of international human rights and humanitarian law.