Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Remains Underreported, With Survivors Facing Systemic Barriers to Justice

Conflict-related sexual violence affects millions globally, yet survivors often face profound challenges in seeking justice, according to a report by Amnesty International. The organization highlights that such crimes, including sexual slavery and enforced sterilization, are frequently underreported due to stigma, lack of support, and weak legal frameworks.

What Is Conflict-Related Sexual Violence?

Sexual violence in conflict zones extends beyond rape to include sexual slavery, forced pregnancy, and threats of sexual abuse, as defined by the United Nations. These acts are often used to terrorize communities, punish dissent, and displace populations. Lauren Aarons, Senior Adviser on Gender, Conflict, and International Justice at Amnesty International, explains that such violence is “a tool of control” perpetuated by both state and non-state actors.

Who Are the Perpetrators?

Perpetrators include government forces, armed groups, and militias operating with or alongside state authorities. In Gaza, for example, Palestinian women have reported being subjected to invasive strip searches by Israeli forces, a practice Amnesty International notes may constitute sexual violence under international law. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) states that such acts often occur in detention, displacement, or occupation contexts, with perpetrators frequently benefiting from impunity.

Why Is It Underreported?

Survivors often avoid reporting due to fear of retaliation, social stigma, or lack of access to healthcare and legal aid. A 2023 UN report found that only 10% of survivors in conflict zones seek formal redress. In Syria, for instance, men and boys have faced sexual violence in detention, yet stigma around masculinity discourages disclosure, according to Human Rights Watch. Similarly, LGBTQI+ survivors in Yemen face risks of criminalization, further deterring reporting.

What Are the Consequences for Survivors?

The physical and psychological toll is severe. Survivors may suffer from sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, and long-term mental health issues, including PTSD. Families are also impacted, with children born from sexual violence facing social exclusion. A 2022 study in the *Lancet* found that survivors in the Democratic Republic of Congo reported higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to non-survivors.

How Common Is Impunity for Perpetrators?

Impunity remains rampant. In Nigeria, Amnesty International documented sexual violence by security forces against Boko Haram conflict victims, yet accountability has been limited. Similarly, Islamic State members have faced terrorism charges without specific accountability for sexual violence. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has prosecuted some cases, but experts argue that systemic barriers, including political interference, hinder justice.

What Is a Survivor-Centered Approach?

A survivor-centered response prioritizes access to healthcare, legal aid, and psychosocial support. The UN Security Council emphasizes that survivors should not be “retraumatized” or treated as mere evidence. For example, in Colombia, post-conflict programs have provided reproductive health services to survivors, though gaps remain. Amnesty International stresses that survivors’ priorities—ranging from medical care to family reunification—must guide aid efforts.

What Are Reparations, and Why Are They Needed?

Reparations include financial compensation, medical care, and legal reforms to address harm. While prison sentences are critical, they alone cannot undo trauma. In 2021, the ICC ordered reparations for survivors of the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda, marking a rare step toward accountability. However, many survivors still lack access to these measures, according to the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women.

How Can Individuals Support Survivors?

Advocacy and funding for local organizations are vital. Groups like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and local women’s collectives provide critical support. Public pressure on governments to investigate abuses and fund survivor programs can drive change. As Aarons notes, “Solidarity must transcend conflict lines to ensure all survivors receive justice.”

For more information on conflict-related sexual violence, visit the Amnesty International website or the United Nations’s humanitarian resources.