Abstract
Throughout history, women have suffered most from armed conflicts in different forms. Thus, humanitarian law observes protective mechanisms for civilians specially women during armed conflicts. Despite protections and actions of international and non-international organizations, there are not enough guarantees to enforce protection of women in armed conflicts. In this regard, this study, entitled Humanitarian protection of women in armed conflicts, made an attempt to explore the related international documents. To do so, the conceptual framework of the study was first set up, defining concepts of war, the law of war, humanitarian law, civilian and protection of civilians. Then, kinds of protections, especially protection against sexual acts of violence, were explored under the title of women in armed conflicts. Finally, the question of whether the current support mechanisms are capable enough to protect women at the time of armed conflicts was discussed. As a conclusion, it can be said that the quality of providing or not providing humanitarian protection of women depends on controlling abundant variables including cultural factors (beliefs, principles, and national norms), psychological factors (policy-makers’ tendencies and spirits), international factors (location and regional and international ties), social factors (national manner, ethnic structure, social history, minorities’ situation, gender relations), political factors (government’s structure and history, state/nation relations) and the relation between these factors as well. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n3s2p40
Highlights
Violence against women continues to persist as one of the most heinous, systematic and prevalent human rights abuses in the world
As the content of the message shows, women are of those groups who, at the time of armed conflicts, fall under the aegis of public and private regulation of human rights and humanitarian law; their rights have been violated repetitively in these conflicts, weather domestic or international
This study is carried out in this regard with the same concern and with an academic approach to explore the issue of the humanitarian protection of women in armed conflicts
Summary
Violence against women continues to persist as one of the most heinous, systematic and prevalent human rights abuses in the world. Violence against women is always a violation of human rights; it is always a crime; and it is always unacceptable. Let us take this issue with the deadly seriousness that it deserves -- on this International Day, but every day. This was a part of the message of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed Sunday, November 25. This study is conducted in response to this general concern and seeks to enrich the knowledge of this domain and, if possible, presents a solution for the realization of these treaties
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