An International Protocol on the Documentation and Investigation of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the first of its kind, was recently launched at the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict held in London from 10 to 13 June 2014.
The International Protocol on the Documentation and Investigation of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the first of its kind, was recently launched at the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict held in London from 10 to 13 June 2014. This was the largest gathering of its kind to date bringing together government representatives from over 120 countries, over 1,000 experts, youth organisations and representatives of civil society and international organisations. The IAP was well represented at the Summit, with a number of individual and institutional members as well Executive Committee members contributing as Chairs, speakers and participants in the ministerial dialogues.
The IAP’s General Counsel, Elizabeth Howe, OBE and FICJ Coordinator, Danya Chaikel attended the Summit and also contributed to the new Protocol as consultees in the final drafting stage. The Protocol is the product of input from more than 200 experts, survivors and organisations who have shared their knowledge and collaborated in the drafting.
The main purpose of the Protocol is to promote accountability for crimes of sexual violence under international law. It does this by setting out the basic principles of documenting sexual violence as a crime under international law, gleaned from best practice in the field. The Protocol is not binding on states. Rather, it can serve as a tool to support efforts by national and international justice and human rights practitioners to effectively and protectively document sexual violence as a crime under international law – as a war crime, crime against humanity or act of genocide.