• Join us in supporting human rights for all
Any questions ?

Phone +31 62 72 41006

Archive

16 Nov

Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War From 1971 to The Present: A Critical Analysis of The Bangladesh Genocide and Ongoing Conflicts in Palestine, Ukraine and Sudan

Sexual violence has emerged as one of the most heinous atrocities in wars across the globe. Although international law prohibits it, it continues to be employed as a weapon of war, inflicting profound psychological and social damage on communities. During the 1971 genocide in Bangladesh, the Pakistani Army systematically raped and assaulted Bengali women as a tactic of suppression, a brutal reality that also persists in current conflicts in Palestine, Ukraine, and Sudan.

READ MORE

14 Nov

The Lasting Results of Terror: How Sexual Violence Impacts Families 53 Years After the Bangladesh Genocide

This report examines the 1971 Bangladesh Genocide, in which sexual violence was systematically used as a weapon of war against an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 women, aiming to destroy the Bengali identity. Survivors, known as Birangonas (war heroines), have historically endured social stigma and marginalisation. The report analyzes the historical background of these atrocities, their lasting results on Bangladeshi society, and the progress of international law in acknowledging sexual violence as a war crime, highlighting the crucial need for recognition, reparations, and trauma-informed support for survivors.

READ MORE

1 Oct

Combatting Rape: A Critical Analysis of France’s National Legal Frameworks Through International and European Standards

This report critically assesses France’s legal response to rape, comparing its national frameworks with international and European standards. Despite notable progress in addressing sexual violence, shortcomings remain in French legislation, which does not fully meet the obligations outlined in international conventions such as CEDAW and the Istanbul Convention. The analysis identifies key areas for reform to improve victim protection, ensure justice, and uphold France’s commitments under human rights law

READ MORE

1 Sep

Digital Sex Crimes: The example of South Korea

The rapid development of digital technology has led to new forms of sexual abuse and exploitation, disproportionately affecting women and minors. Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OSEA) includes harmful behaviors like online grooming, live-streamed sexual abuse, and image-based sexual abuse. This report explores international legal frameworks, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Budapest Convention, and Lanzarote Convention, and focuses on South Korea's struggle with digital sex crimes. It also examines systemic shortcomings, public perceptions, and suggestions for improving victim care and strengthening legal frameworks.

READ MORE

1 Jul

Sexual Violence Against Women in Hollywood

This report examines the pervasive issue of sexual violence against women, using the Harvey Weinstein case and the #MeToo movement as key examples. It highlights how systemic abuse in Hollywood reflects wider societal issues, urging action to strengthen legal protections and demand accountability across all sectors. Read on to explore the path toward lasting change.

READ MORE

27 May

Women´s Roles in the 1971 Bangaldesh Genocide

This report highlights the experiences of women during the Bangladesh Genocide in 1971, emphasizing their resilience, contributions, and suffering. It aims to honor their legacy, advocate for justice, and foster international recognition. The report highlights the systematic and brutal sexual violence inflicted upon women, their crucial roles in the liberation movement, their bravery, and their impact on the fight for independence. It advocates for accountability and seeks international recognition of the genocide, urging public awareness and understanding of the 1971 genocide. The report also examines the denial of international recognition of the genocide and the challenges of demanding accountability and public education.

READ MORE

22 May

Rape as an Act of Genocide: A Feminist Interpretation of the Akayesu Judgement

Jean-Paul Akayesu's trial marked the first time the crime of genocide was prosecuted under the Genocide Convention, ruling that rape and sexual violence could constitute genocide. This led to the UN Security Council's Resolutions 13252 and 18203 on women, peace, and security, acknowledging the impact of armed conflict on women. Adopting a feminist perspective is crucial for addressing genocidal rape, as it primarily affects women and requires full legal protection during wartime. Analyzing the causes, consequences, and legal repercussions of wartime rape is vital for creating a more insightful legal framework and comprehensive approach to warfare legislation.

READ MORE

1 Feb

Analysing the British Criminal Justice System from a Women’s Rights Perspective

Violence against women is a widespread and unpunished human rights violation, with one woman killed by a man every three days in the UK. The UK's legal and criminal justice systems have failed to protect women and girls from violence and bring justice for crimes. Factors contributing to these statistics include the UK's Common Law approach, gaps between theory and practice in dealing with sexual violence allegations, and discrimination based on gender. The complex system in England and Wales is evident in the steps taken after a sexual offense, highlighting the intricacies and complexity of the broader issue.

READ MORE

1 Jun

LGBTQ+ Rights in Bangladesh

The LGBTQ+ community in Bangladesh faces numerous systemic injustices, including physical and sexual violence, low representation in political and administrative bodies, discrimination in employment policies, and lack of access to medical services. This report aims to present the current situation of the LGBTQ+ community in Bangladesh, which has been largely due to the rise of religious extremism in the country. Despite initial improvements, such as the legal recognition of Hijras in 2013, the position of the LGBTQ+ community deteriorated due to the increasing influence of Islam in the country's public space. In 2016, the government urged to annul the Rainbow Rally celebration, and in the same year, Xulhaz Mannan, founder of Bangladesh's first and only LGBT+-themed magazine "Roopbaan," was killed by assailants associated with al-Qaeda. The number of arrests on the ground of "carnal intercourse against the order of nature" has exponentially increased in recent years, highlighting the ongoing police harassment against LGBTQ+ individuals. The report will analyze the legal, societal, political, and religious elements contributing to violence and discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the ongoing violations of their fundamental human rights.

READ MORE

31 Oct

Pakistan Report on Sexual Assault and Murder

Pakistan's Constitution allows freedom of religion for minority groups, but the country has a poor record of safeguarding these rights. Attacks on minorities include targeted violence, abduction, conversion to Islam, and extrajudicial killings. Media groups have voiced concerns about hostility towards religious minorities on social media and closing spaces for dissent online. Female journalists are increasingly targeted online, with severe offline consequences. Forced conversions have become a privileged tool against Christians and Hindus, with girls being abducted, forcibly married, and converted to Islam. Blasphemy is also used to settle personal conflicts and target minorities. Transgenders are subjected to humiliation and violence by the conservative Pakistani community. Child abuse is a global problem, with at least 1,489 children subjected to sexual assault in Pakistan in the first half of the year.

READ MORE