Gender inequality persists in all countries worldwide, tending to be more severe in conflict-affected contexts. Designed to protect humanity from the worst excesses of war, the objective of international humanitarian law (IHL) is best realized when parties to armed conflict take account of the inequality shaping the lives of diverse women, men, girls, and boys so that all civilians are protected, equally. Yet the practical measures this entails for armed forces remain under-explored and under-prioritized.
To address this knowledge gap and consider corresponding practical implications for the application of IHL, in 2022 the ICRC, the Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations (NCGM), and the Swedish Red Cross convened an expert meeting of military and State practitioners. The resulting new report – IHL and a Gender Perspective in the Planning and Conduct of Military Operations – was launched at this online event.
Featuring a brief scene-setting presentation of the report's key takeaways, the event focused on good practices to avoid and reduce gendered harm arising from military operations, set within the context of IHL and the UN Women, Peace, and Security Agenda. A roundtable among military and humanitarian practitioners addressed challenges – as well as how such challenges might be overcome – to better protect all civilians and improve compliance with IHL's non-discrimination obligations.
Download the new report - IHL and a Gender Perspective in the Planning and Conduct of Military Operations – here.
- International sign language interpretation was provided at this event. -
