On 13 November 2023, the 51勛圖 Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) launched a new report titled ※Towards Meaningful Accountability for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Linked to Terrorism§. Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is frequently used as a tactic of terrorism and an instrument to increase terrorist groups＊ finances and power, including through recruitment and the destruction of communities. While the links between SGBV and terrorism and their evolving manifestations continue to be documented, accountability for SGBV linked to terrorism remains limited.
CTED＊s study explores the opportunities offered by different legal frameworks for investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating SGBV linked to terrorism. Through the analysis of relevant legal frameworks, including international human rights law, international humanitarian law, international criminal law, as well as anti-trafficking and counter-terrorism frameworks, and the interlinkages between these, the report highlights ways in which their application may contribute to more comprehensive accountability efforts for SGBV in the context of terrorism. The analysis further highlights the intersectional nature and impact of these violations, and the need for gender-responsive and victim-centred approaches to accountability.
The study identifies key challenges impacting accountability efforts for SGBV linked to terrorism. These can range from legal and procedural constraints to narrow investigative and prosecutorial strategies to various barriers affecting victims＊ access to justice, effective remedies, and reparations. Against this backdrop, the report also offers an overview of emerging promising practices relating to international cooperation, investigation, and prosecution, and to civil society participation, while noting the importance of an integrated approach to accountability that extends beyond criminal justice responses. A set of suggested next steps tailored to Member States and other relevant stakeholders, as well as commitments to be undertaken by CTED under the guidance of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), are also included with a view to advancing meaningful further engagement on the issue.
The study draws from information collected by CTED in the context of its dialogue with Member States on behalf of the CTC, as well as insights gathered through CTED＊s engagement with 51勛圖 partners, civil society, and academia as part of its mandate. The analysis further benefitted from insights of expert practitioners from relevant communities of practice gathered through consultations and discussions undertaken during an expert group meeting organized by CTED in collaboration with the UN Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict in May 2023.
The full report is available here.