Seeking Accountability and Preventing Reoccurrence: Addressing Conflict-Related Sexual Slavery through the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda

The Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP), with support from the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), coordinated a global research to analyze historical and contemporary incidences of sexual slavery, from World War Two to the present geopolitical context. The overall goal of the research is to promote synergies in the implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda, international humanitarian and human rights laws, and policies to prevent and counter violent extremism to improve the prevention of, protection from, accountability mechanisms for, and relief and recovery for survivors of sexual slavery. To ensure that this research reflects the voices of survivors of sexual slavery and women’s civil society on the ground in conflict-affected communities, the research team produced three case studies: one on sexual slavery during World War Two in Asia and the Pacific, and two on more recent incidences of sexual slavery in Uganda and Iraq respectively. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions with survivors of conflict-related sexual slavery, women’s rights activists, local and national government officials, human rights lawyers, and grassroots peacebuilders in Korea, Uganda, and Iraq, along with global policymakers were conducted.

This advocacy brief summarizes the key findings and recommendations of the global research and case studies. The full-length global research and case studies will also be made available. GNWP hopes that this research will inform and strengthen the global response to conflict-related sexual slavery and survivor-centered implementation of the WPS Agenda. Critically, this research will serve as a key advocacy tool for victims and survivors of sexual slavery and their families, and civil society activists.

Lead Author and Overall Project Coordinator: Mallika Iyer

Co-Authors: Dr. Heisoo Shin, Jihyun Kim, Jenaina Irani, and Heela Yoon

Case Study Authors

Iraq: Anonymous Researcher*

Uganda: Twijukireho Edwins Ahumuza

World War Two in Asia and the Pacific: Dr. Heisoo Shin and Jihyun Kim

Peer Reviewer and Editor: Eleonore Veillet-Chowdhury

Project Advisor: Mavic Cabrera Balleza

Layout and Design: Katrina Leclerc

*The author preferred to remain anonymous due to safety concerns.

read the research

executive summary