International Gender Champions - Panel Discussion: Strategies for achieving international accountability for SGBV in the Russian invasion of Ukraine

When:
May 25, 2022 @ 14:30 – May 25, 2022 @ 16:00
Where:
Official Residence of the Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Groot Haesebroekseweg 44
in Wassenaar 2243 ED

The Embassies of Canada, The Kingdom of Sweden, and the Commonwealth of Australia wish to invite you to attend a meeting of the IGC Den Haag Hub International Justice Impact Group.

Event:

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) takes place in conflict zones around the world with alarming intensity and frequency. It is a weapon of criminality often deliberately inflicted on civilian populations to cause fear, human suffering, and the terrorization and destruction of communities. SGBV is not an incidental side-effect, it is part of the pattern and tactics of conflict.

The conflict brought by Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked and unjustifiable military invasion has created an international crime-scene across Ukraine. In order to achieve accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity stemming from this conflict, justice must not be gender-blind.

This discussion will bring together key legal academics with expertise in international criminal law & gender, including on forced pregnancy, sexual slavery, and other forms of SGBV, to explore strategies to support the effective investigation and prosecution of SGBV crimes in Ukraine. It will include consideration of how the Murad Code Global Initiative can help support safe, effective and survivor-centric gathering of information about conflict-related sexual violence, and how to use that information to build solid and gender-responsive domestic and international criminal prosecutions.

Panelists:

  1. Valerie Oosterveld, Professor & Associate Director, Centre for Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction, Western University Faculty of Law - Her research and writings focus on gender issues within international criminal justice, including on SGBV and sexual slavery in conflicts.
  2. Dr Rosemary Grey, Lecturer, Sydney Law School, the University of Sydney - Academic in international criminal law & gender, with expertise on forced pregnancy and other forms of SGBV as prosecuted by the ICC.
  3. To be Confirmed

RSVP:

This event is intended for International Gender Champions, Focal Points, Heads of Organisations and Offices, and Subject Matter Experts.

Please confirm your attendance before Friday 20 May by replying to HAGUEGR@international.gc.ca.

In your reply, please indicate your name & title, organization, and your vehicle information (car/licence plate, or if you will arrive by bicycle or taxi).