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A Gendered Imperative: Does Sexual Violence Attract UN Attention in Civil Wars?

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  • Michelle Benson
  • Theodora-Ismene Gizelis

Abstract

There is increasing awareness that sexual violence is distinct from other aspects of civilian victimization in civil wars. Few studies have examined the independent impact of such violence on responses to civil wars as compared to “traditional†forms of violence. This article explores whether reports of high levels of rape and sexual violence increase the probability of United Nations (UN) attention to conflicts and calls to action. In so doing, we combine original data on UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions with data on sexual violence in armed conflict and estimate the impact of sexual violence on UN attention to all civil wars from 1990 to 2009. We show that the effects of sexual violence on the number and level of UNSC resolutions are significant even when controlling for other important determinants of UN action. These findings have important implications for understanding how the UN has expanded its view on protecting civilians.

Suggested Citation

  • Michelle Benson & Theodora-Ismene Gizelis, 2020. "A Gendered Imperative: Does Sexual Violence Attract UN Attention in Civil Wars?," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 64(1), pages 167-198, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:64:y:2020:i:1:p:167-198
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002719841125
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ruggeri, Andrea & Dorussen, Han & Gizelis, Theodora-Ismene, 2018. "On the Frontline Every Day? Subnational Deployment of United Nations Peacekeepers," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 48(4), pages 1005-1025, October.
    2. Ilyana Kuziemko & Eric Werker, 2006. "How Much Is a Seat on the Security Council Worth? Foreign Aid and Bribery at the United Nations," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 114(5), pages 905-930, October.
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