Transitional justice and the ongoing exclusion of sexual exploitation and abuse by international intervenors. (9th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anania, Jessica
• Is Part Of: International affairs. Volume 98:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 893
• Page End: 913
• Publication Date: 2022-05-09
• Subjects: transitional justice -- gender -- armed conflict; International relations -- Periodicals; World politics -- Periodicals; 327.05
• DOI: 10.1093/ia/iiac056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-5850

Abstract

Abstract : Transitional justice has largely overlooked sexual exploitation and abuse. Using the Women, Peace and Security framework, this article examines the barriers to inclusion within transitional justice and provides policy recommendations for greater inclusion and accountability. Abstract: Transitional justice has addressed only conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) while excluding sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). This exclusion persists despite both SEA and CRSV occurring during armed conflict, taking the same forms, impacting congruent victim populations, and falling within the Women, Peace and Security framework. SEA is perpetrated by international intervenors such as peacekeepers and aid workers. Excluding SEA denies victims a critical pathway to accountability and undermines prevention efforts for all forms of sexual violence. Using the original Gender Violence in Truth Commissions database, this article examines why SEA is excluded from transitional justice. To date, only two transitional justice mechanisms—the Sierra Leonian and Liberian truth commissions—have addressed SEA by intervenors. Analysis of these two exceptional cases reveals barriers to inclusion of SEA within transitional justice, including intervenor-involvement in transitional justice mechanisms, issues with SEA reporting and data, and dependency on media coverage and public outcry. The article concludes with policy recommendations for addressing SEA and CRSV as separate but related violations through transitional justice mechanisms, including truth commissions and reparations programmes.