Razkrivanje spolnega nasilja kot vojnega orožja

War has long been an object of philosophical, historical and literary discussion, yet its impact on civilians, specifically the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war – remains underexplored. One of the most overlooked aspects of militia and armed groups’ conflict is conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), which encompasses rape, sexual slavery, forced pregnancy, genital mutiliations and other forms of sexual coercion. This thesis examined the strategiv use of seual violence in war and how CRSV is not merely byproduct of war violence, but often serves as deliberate military strategy. The main case example of this thesis is grounded in analysis of Ethiopian civil conflict in the region Tigray between 2020 and 2022. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in Ethiopia between February and June 2024, this research incorporates interviews with activists, researchers, and journalists, as well as observations from organizations, supporting victims of CRSV. The Ethiopian conflict is analysed alongside historical cases such as the Yugoslav Wars (1992–1995) and the Rwandan Genocide (1994), pivotal moments that led to the recognition of sexual violence as a crime against humanity under international law. Methodologically, this research combines qualitative fieldwork with theoretical analysis, employing semi-structured and unstructured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. Interviews with experts from non-governmental organizations shed light on the manifestations, motivations, and long-term consequences of wartime sexual violence, while ethical considerations and safety constraints shaped the research process. Through an interdisciplinary lens, this thesis seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse on gender-based violence in conflict settings, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive understanding of sexual violence as an instrument of war and a violation of fundamental human rights.