From Tolerance to Tactic: Understanding Rape in Armed Conflict as Genocide

Abstract

It is my contention that rape should be firmly situated within the understanding of genocide, for both conceptual and practical reasons. By examining rape in historical conflicts I will demonstrate the increasing pervasiveness of rape as a weapon of war, thereby underscoring its increasing relevance for both academic and legal consideration. Next, by examining modern ongoing conflicts, I will elucidate the context in which rape continues to be used as a tactic not only of war, but, indeed, of genocide. I will then discuss the existing sources of international law that support this understanding and, finally, I will explore the implications of understanding rape as genocide under each of the enumerated sub-elements of genocide.

Keywords: Sexual Violence, Genocide, Armed Conflicts, International Law, Conflicts, Rape,