Citation

Pruitt L. J. Women Polit. Pol. 2012; 33(4): 299-321.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/1554477X.2012.722430

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Based on a review of existing literature, this article provides an initial analysis of obstacles to addressing impunity for widespread conflict-related sexual violence. First, a background of trends of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in conflict is provided. The article then outlines why addressing impunity is important for building peace and ending conflict-related SGBV. Next, the article presents an overview of developments and mechanisms adopted by the international community in an attempt to address impunity. Yet despite these advances, conflict-related sexual violence remains widespread and impunity persists. Thus, the final section of article sets out one proposal for addressing the problem--increasing the number of women working in international peace operations through the creation of United Nations-sponsored Women's Police Service (UNWPS), which would recruit, train, and deploy women's contingents for policing in international peace operations.