From harm to healing: transforming the lives of victims of conflict-related sexual violence through reparation

Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) generates devastating harms that affect the individual victim (female, male, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer and inclusive of other orientations (LGBTIQ+), disabled, young and elderly), families, communities and the whole fabric of society. CRSV is a public health concern as it can lead to health consequences including physical, psychosocial and stigma-related harms that are exacerbated by a lack of healthcare infrastructure. There has been some progress on understanding the harm, but data gaps prevail due to practical reasons, definitional problems and stigma.When violations of human rights or humanitarian law take place, diverse harms can occur, and victims have a right to reparation as enshrined in international law. Reparation aims to address, as far as possible, the multiple harms victims suffer and to positively transform their lives. The right to reparation is fulfilled through a victim-centred process and delivered via appropriate forms of reparation: restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction measures and guarantees of non-repetition. When implemented in a timely, participatory and inclusive manner, reparations can have a transformative impact on victims of CRSV. The process should be prompt and combined with individual monetary and rehabilitation measures alongside clear institutional and societal reforms to ensure the non-repetition of such violations. Domestic reparation programmes, fully supported by government and other stakeholders such as health professionals, offer the most sustainable framework for achieving these goals.