Normative Evolution of Gender-Based Crimes Against Humanity

Abstract

This article traces the history of gender-based crimes against humanity, examining the process by which the International Criminal Court came to recognize this specific category as differentiating from existing sexual crimes. Focusing on the prominent case of former Lord’s Resistance Army commander Dominic Ongwen, various perspectives across international law are explored in order to understand the justification for creating new charges addressing gender-based crimes, such as forced marriage. Considering the recent conviction of Mr. Ongwen in 2021, this 2020 article provides excellent insight into the current paradigm shift occurring within international law concerning the prosecution of gender-based crimes against humanity.