Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Wartime Ukraine

A critical issue has emerged amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine: the prevalence of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). While Ukraine currently has some measures in place to combat this form of warfare against its citizens, essential elements are missing, such as consideration for the exacerbating influence men and masculinities have on these issues, as well as sufficient protections for children born of wartime rape or their mothers. While some of the Ukrainian response to CRSV thus far has been progressive, recovery efforts must be centered around women’s advocacy and participation, the role of men must be further examined, and there must be international funding allocated for the recovery of victims and prosecution of these crimes.

In 2022, Ukraine revised its Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) National Action Plan (NAP)  following Russia’s invasion, outlining five strategic goals: “participation of women in decision-making; resilience to security challenges; post-conflict recovery and transitional justice; combating gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence; and institutional capacity of the national plan actors.” While this gives the Ukrainian government an updated framework to address these issues, the role of men and masculinities in CRSV has largely been left out of the conversation. In particular, the omission of masculinities, a socially constructed set of masculine norms and behaviors, is a severe error that disregards the very conditions that increase CRSV in Ukraine.

For Ukraine to address CRSV when it begins its recovery efforts post-conflict, particularly against women and girls, there needs to be an understanding as to why this violence occurs. Masculine norms of power and aggression manifest in using CRSV as punishment, domination, or a humiliation tactic. This becomes common in conflicts, ultimately aiming to oppress the opposing force into submission. Without understanding this linkage, it is impossible to combat the root issue behind these war crimes.

This is not to say this kind of violence brought on by masculinities impacts women only; the issue goes beyond gender identity. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine found that of a victim sample, 85 men, 45 women, and three girls were impacted by CRSV. The New Lines Institute found that “one important component of rape as a weapon of war is the sense of social cohesion and bonding that rape provides for militaries that are not cohesive or have used force to recruit their fighters.” This is why it is vital to consider the role common masculine norms like aggression, dominance, and strength play in these dynamics. The prolific nature of CRSV is reflective of an inherently gendered institution that allows this kind of behavior to continue without consequence. The Ukrainian NAP should reflect that.

CRSV encapsulates several violent offenses committed during wartime conflict. While there are some provisions against this kind of violence, there is little regarding a potential consequence of CRSV: children born of wartime rape. At both the regional and national levels, there needs to be support systems in place for these children to protect them and their mothers against discrimination and persecution by their communities. These victims relive their trauma daily through stigmatization, social ostracization, and lack of recognition by their government. The initial act of violence is effectively perpetuated by a blatant disregard for their lives and right to exist in their communities.

To give support to survivors, regional organizations need funding to support these women and children who face stigmatization and might never get justice from their oppressors. Currently, there is not a sufficient way of prosecuting these kinds of war crimes promptly that delivers justice and support to survivors of this heinous crime. Because of this, these crimes continue without consequence and thus occur in war on a more persistent basis. To achieve a more sustainable peace for every Ukrainian person, regardless of gender and age, there needs to be a real judicial plan that incorporates the WPS agenda into its foundation and framework.

The UN’s International Criminal Court should lead the legal framework for the judicial processing of offenders, implementing regional prosecution systems that allow these cases to be tried locally with appointed judges. These systems should be created and implemented within a gendered framework, with women actively involved in every step of the process. From the initial report to the final day in court, women from both local and international levels need to at least participate in these conversations, if not lead them. Local women, in particular, through civil society organizations and NGOs, can offer regional and cultural perspectives that can profoundly impact not just the case itself but also support the victims coming forward.

To pay for all this, the funding sent to Ukraine for defense against Russia should come with an earmark that ensures that a certain percentage of funds taken must be used in some capacity for CRSV policy implementation and support. International actors who have played a direct role in this conflict through sending financing to Ukraine, especially those that will assist post-conflict, need to put pressure on this policy front so that CRSV survivors of all ages and genders can seek justice for these crimes.

This conflict grows increasingly more volatile, and the Ukrainian people are paying the price. The international community, as well as the Ukrainian government, need to take these actions now to ensure a sustainable and equitable peacemaking process that considers all victims involved in this conflict. These decisions must be made within the framework of the WPS agenda, which calls for the participation and representation of women, and involve those directly impacted by the conflict through CRSV. Security and peace negotiations should consider CSRV's immediate and far-reaching impacts on individuals and communities. There needs to be a real and lasting focus on the role of masculinities that actively engages men to understand their place in this crisis and endeavors to shift norms. Without these perspectives, these policies cannot be fruitful in any meaningful capacity and will fall short of what is necessary for the region to recover from this devastating conflict. Prioritizing the voices and experiences of those affected, particularly survivors of CRSV, is essential for fostering genuine and lasting peace that addresses the deep-rooted injustices of this crisis and will lead the way to a lasting reconstruction.

Author: Tatyana Masters

Managing Editor: Sebastián Reyes

Web Editor: Suravi Kumar