Prosecuting Rape as Genocide: An Analysis of the Legal Framework and Challenges in International Law
Graduation Year
2023
Date of Submission
4-2023
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
International Relations
Reader 1
Professor Jennifer Taw
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
© 2023 Anya Syed
Abstract
Rape can be used to annihilate, control, and humiliate populations. Mass rape can have genocidal intent. Yet, thus far, the legal definition of genocide has failed to codify rape. These severe limitations in the definition of genocide create legal impunity and impede the rehabilitation of rape survivors. This failure also results in legal challenges, including the lack of basis to distinguish between rape during war and genocide. This paper seeks to provide readers with sufficient background to understand the legal challenges currently preventing the prosecution of rape as genocide. After presenting this information, the paper details past courts that have successfully been able to prosecute rape as genocide, as well as examples of historical failures to do so. Finally, using the background material and past precedents from cases, this paper will strive to legally distinguish between events that carry the impact of genocidal rape and those that can be prosecuted as such.
Recommended Citation
Syed, Anya, "Prosecuting Rape as Genocide: An Analysis of the Legal Framework and Challenges in International Law" (2023). CMC Senior Theses. 3297.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/3297
