Gender Mainstreaming in International Institutions: Developments at the UN ad hoc Tribunals and the International Criminal Court

Citation:

Chappell, Louise. 2005. “Gender Mainstreaming in International Institutions: Developments at the UN ad hoc Tribunals and the International Criminal Court.” Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the International Studies Association, Honolulu, March 5.

Author: Louise Chappell

Abstract:

In recent years women's activists have worked hard to add a gender dimension to the workings of emerging international institutions including the UN ad hoc tribunals on the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda and the International Criminal Court. Through their efforts they have made some significant advances in bringing to light the complex, diverse and unique aspects of women's lives previously ignored in international criminal and humanitarian law. Advances include: the recognition of sexual violence as a grave breach of international law relating to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide; the redefinition of the crime of rape and the acknowledgment of gender as a basis for persecution. Feminist pressure has also helped to encourage an acceptance of the representation of women and gender interests within the ICC. Although there is still much to be done, feminist activists have demonstrated that there is a place for 'women's interests' under international law and that by taking these interests into account can make a real difference to women's lives in times of conflict.

Topics: Armed Conflict, Feminisms, Gender, Women, Gender Mainstreaming, International Law, International Criminal Law, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International Organizations, Justice, Crimes against Humanity, International Tribunals & Special Courts, War Crimes, Sexual Violence, Rape Regions: Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, Europe, Balkans Countries: Rwanda, Yugoslavia (former)

Year: 2005