Insight on Conflict » Campaign to Investigate and Condemn Rape

Campaign to Investigate and Condemn Rape

The Colectivo de Mujeres Pazíficas has organised this programme to investigate and bring to national and international attention the rape and abuse of women and girls resulting from the conflict in Colombia.

Description

From 2002 to 2005, with the support of Fundación “Yes Woman” – a part of Colectivo de Mujeres Pazíficas – an investigation was carried out into around 17 cases of pregnancy caused by rapes committed by armed groups. The investigation was conducted to highlight and denounce all the physical excesses, rapes, and irreversible moral and psychological damage that some women have suffered in the conflict.

However, the project hopes to go beyond these specific situations and to focus on more than just a few cases in a particular time period. The rape of women and girls will continue for as long as the armed conflict continues, and for as long as there is no respect for the most basic and humane rules of war – as established by international humanitarian law – and no respect for the dignity and physical integrity of women and girls.

Aims / Objectives

Condemn a systematic crime against women from all the armed actors of the conflict;
Make visible the women’s situation in the armed conflict; and
Demand the respect of International Humanitarian law.

How it is Articulated

Through:

The formation of alliances with other social organisations;
Commitments to make public campaigns;
The design of posters and advertisements;
Letters addressed to the armed groups;
Public announcements;
Performances;
Forums with national and international guests discussing the legal and political aspects of women’s movements;
The dissemination of testimonies, data, and details of rights infringements; and
Publicity on national TV.

Achievements / Learning Points

Achievements

We have managed to place the issue at a national level; disseminated written testimonies; and attracted the attention of the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women. We have also raised awareness of the problem in different sectors and encouraged other non-Governmental Organisations and networks to search for information about the problem.

Learning Points

It is important to question publicly and directly (by name) those responsible for perpetrating this crime. Although some will answer and some won’t, you have to be persistent, insistent, and creative in condemning and questioning. It is vital to make connections and alliances with the mass media.