Violence Against Women in Armed Conflict

Violence against women is a worldwide human rights scandal.

From birth to death, in times of peace as well as war, women face discrimination and violence at the hands of the state, the community and the family.

This report gives an analysis of states' legal duty to take action to address violence against women.

States have this duty, regardless of the identity of the victim or the perpetrator - parent, husband, partner, colleague, stranger, police officer, combatant or soldier - and whatever the context - war or peace, the home, the street or the workplace.

Women have the right to live free from violence - states have an obligation under international law to make this right a reality.