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Rape In Conflict: Battling The Impunity That Stifles Its Recognition As A Jus Cogens Human Right, Michelle Marie Seyler

Michelle Marie Seyler

Jus cogens is defined as “peremptory norms of general international law from which no derogation is permissible.” Among the human rights issues that fall into this category, such as slavery and genocide, there is one that has yet to be elevated to this level of importance that unequivocally should be: rape in conflict areas.

This paper first overviews the history of rape in conflict, the reasons for its prevalence, and the affects it has on women and communities. Second, it discusses the legal tools currently available in the international legal field. Third, it establishes genocide as a jus cogens human …