Achieving Accountability for Human Rights Violations by Non-state Actors: Challenging Sexual Violence and Creating Paths to Peace

Heathcote, Gina

Abstract

This paper considers the measures developed under Security Council resolution 1960 for the listing, naming, shaming and instigation of targeted sanctions against non-state actors who are known to have committed human rights violations during conflict, particularly sexual violence. The paper evaluations the strength of the Security Council's decision to create both sanctions lists and a 'naming and shaming' procedure via the Office of the Secretary-General. Legal understandings of the purpose of naming and shaming strategies, the importance of local community strategies and the distance between Security Council agendas on women, peace and security and those of women in conflict zones will be considered. The paper concludes that the politics of 'naming and shaming' as well as the targeted sanctions regime add to the 'women as victim' discourse and detract from seeing women as agents of peace within their communities, especially in post-conflict settings.

Citation

Heathcote, G. (2012, November). Achieving Accountability for Human Rights Violations by Non-state Actors: Challenging Sexual Violence and Creating Paths to Peace. Paper presented at 21st Congress of the International Federation of Women in Legal Career, Dakar, Senegal

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: 21st Congress of the International Federation of Women in Legal Career
• Start Date: Nov 12, 2012
• End Date: Nov 1, 2012
• Deposit Date: Dec 12, 2012
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference