RAPE AS A WEAPON: SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN THE RWANDAN GENOCIDE

Sexual violence in conflict zones has received increased scholarly attention in recent decades, yet its prevalence during conflicts like the Rwandan genocide has often been underexplored. The Rwandan genocide, infamous for its brutal mass killings, was also marked by widespread acts of sexual violence, which were used as deliberate tools of humiliation and ethnic annihilation. Tutsi women and girls were disproportionately targeted, suffering from rape, sexual enslavement, mutilation, and other forms of sexual molestation. These atrocities highlight the severe human rights violations inherent in using sexual violence as a weapon of war. While existing scholarship has improved our understanding of the contexts and challenges faced by survivors, there is still a significant need to address the deep and lasting impacts of such violence. This study aims to further illuminate the role of sexual violence during the Rwandan genocide, emphasizing the need for continued focus on survivor support and the prevention of sexual violence in conflict zones.