Navigating legal crossroads: interplay between international humanitarian law and human rights law in the enforcement for sexual violence in armed conflicts

Abstract

This thesis examines the interplay between International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law in addressing sexual violence during armed situations. The assessment evaluates the adequacy of current legal structures in safeguarding victims and finds underlying problems within these structures. The examination examines how various legal instruments, case law, and procedural characteristics of enforcement mechanisms serve the requirements of victims and the prosecution of offenders. Although there have been notable improvements in recognizing sexual violence as a breach of international law, The thesis advocates for a stronger implementation of International Human Rights Law together with International Humanitarian Law to provide comprehensive protection for sexual violence in conflict scenarios.