Ethics of Care and Feminist ethics in the context of Protection of children born as a result of sexual violence in conflict

This thesis explores the role of ethics of care and feminist ethics in the context of protecting children born of rape during armed conflict (CBOWR). These children, born as a result of sexual violence in conflict zones, are often neglected in legal and social discourses. Their status is frequently viewed within the broader context of conflict-related sexual violence, yet their unique needs remain largely unaddressed. The thesis examines the complexities surrounding the protection, rehabilitation, and social integration of these children, particularly in post-conflict societies where they face stigma, discrimination, and re-traumatization. Ethics of care, focused on nurturing the most vulnerable individuals, emphasizes the importance of providing safety, health, and psychological support. Feminist ethics critiques the structural inequalities and power dynamics that enable sexual violence, underscoring the need for systemic changes to support the rights of these children and their mothers. The paper advocates for a comprehensive strategy involving government, NGOs, and civil society to protect and support CBOWR through legal protection, social programs, and rehabilitation efforts. By applying both care ethics and feminist ethics, this approach seeks to ensure these children's dignity, well-being, and integration into society.