Women's Rights in Armed Conflict under International Law

'Over the past three decades, the language of women's rights has entered various legal regimes applicable in armed conflict: international human rights law, international humanitarian law, international criminal law and the 'Women, Peace and Security' agenda of the UN Security Council. Catherine O'Rourke offers a fresh and perceptive analysis of these important developments through the lens of fragmentation. She studies the overlaps and tensions in these normative systems, and the problems of implementation and accountability that result. Three country case studies anchor this impressive book, grounding its insights in women's lived experience. Women's Rights in Armed Conflict under International Law both extends the legal literature on fragmentation and provides an invaluable guide for lawyers and activists working to protect women's rights in conflict.' Hilary Charlesworth, Melbourne Laureate Professor, University of Melbourne 'This publication challenges the current discourse that frames women's rights in armed conflict as one grand narrative under the 'Women, Peace and Security' agenda, through an overview of normative standards and institutionalized practices under four international regimes: humanitarian law, human rights law, criminal law and security council resolutions. The use of case studies further contributes to a substantive understanding of the different legal regimes, the challenges of gaps and fragmentation, and importantly the consequences of a lack of coherence. This book will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of gender justice, accountability and the realization of women's rights.' Rashida Manjoo, University of Cape Town, Former UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, its Causes and Consequences