Register for this launch event here.

As recognised by the Security Council in Resolution 2467 (April 2019), detention settings are a key context of vulnerability to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), particularly for men and boys. The Principles on the Prevention of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) in Detention Settings draw from existing international law – primarily international human rights law and international humanitarian law – as well as authoritative guidance to outline in a single instrument ten key international principles to prevent and respond to CRSV, applicable to all persons deprived of their liberty in armed conflict. Each principle is accompanied by commentary on its sources and content.

This event will bring together academic experts, policy makers, and member states to:

  • Provide an overview of the scope and scale of CRSV in detention.
  • Discuss standards under international law for the prevention of, and response to, CSRV against detainees, as well as existing gaps in the normative framework.
  • Identify best practices and recommendations for detaining authorities to prevent CRSV in detention settings.

The event will be moderated by Professor Lara Stemple, Director Health and Human Rights Law Project, UCLA School of Law, Member of Board of Advisors, All Survivors Project.

Opening remarks:

  • Ambassador Jürg Lauber, Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN in Geneva.
  • Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith, Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Norway to the UN in Geneva.
  • Dr. Peter C. Matt, Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the UN in Geneva.

Panelists:

  • Anna Crowe, Assistant Director, International Human Rights Clinic, Harvard Law School.
  • Sophie Sutrich, Head of Addressing Sexual Violence, ICRC.
  • Professor Manfred Nowak, Independent Expert Leading the UN Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty.
  • HE Premila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict.

The Principles were authored by All Survivors Project and the International Human Rights Clinic at Harvard Law School with assistance from the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego, the Health and Human Rights Law Project at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, and the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination at Princeton University (LISD).