...above, the Guidebook focuses on State obligations to prevent, stop, and respond to CRSV under international law, whether committed by State or non-State, public or private actors. The Guidebook does not cover the (criminal) responsibility of individuals and, as a result, does not have a chapter on international criminal law (ICL). The focus on certain international legal instruments over others is motivated by the amount of information on CRSV available under each system, and by......potential reforms to better combat CRSV. On a final note, the international legal standards on CRSV are not set in stone. As awareness is raised of the damaged inflicted by CRSV on society, the law continues to develop. The Guidebook compiles standards that are relevant at the time of its publication and may, at a future date, require updating. 3.1 International Criminal Law🔗 ‘Crimes against International Law are committed by men, not by abstract entities,...

...all circumstances, risks leaving certain types of rape unpunished’ and may jeopardise the individual’s sexual autonomy. Under articles 3 and 8, States must criminalise any non-consensual sexual act, ‘including in the absence of physical resistance by the victim’.43 Lack of consent. In M.C. v Bulgaria, the ECtHR noted that, in international criminal law: Force is not an element of rape; Taking advantage of coercive circumstances to commit sexual acts is punishable; Sexual penetration without the victim’s consent...

...these acts occur.74 To maximise States’ ability to address CRSV, national legal frameworks should incorporate relevant aspects of international criminal law and IHL.75 III.2 States parties to armed conflict must cease CRSV against civilians🔗 All parties to armed conflict must cease all acts of sexual violence against civilians,76 particularly women and girls, with immediate effect and also in post-conflict situations.77 III.3 States parties to armed conflict must fully respect international law applicable to the rights and...