Project profile — Addressing stigma in the justice system

This project aims to improve the capacity of justice institutions in providing better outcomes for conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) cases and safer survivor experiences for those who choose to engage in justice processes. It seeks to tackle stigmas, myths, misconceptions and how it affects CRSV cases’ progress in the justice system. The project targets and benefits justice institutions, including national, hybrid or international courts, tribunals, and accountability mechanisms such as the United Nations-mandated investigations and commissions of inquiries. It also engages sexual violence survivor networks, victim advocates, practitioners (including prosecutors, investigators, judges), teams of experts, international non-governmental organizations, and donors working on CRSV. Project activities include: (1) raising awareness on sexual violence stigma, myths and misconceptions and its impact by holding webinars, round tables and panels with practitioners and justice institutions; (2) developing pilot tools to measure and monitor the levels and impact of stigma in the justice systems and improve work procedures and practice on CRSV cases in various pilot countries; and (3) ensuring the participation and representations of survivors and victims in developing tools and awareness-raising activities to make sure their voices are heard. The ultimate beneficiaries of this project are the CRSV survivors.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) increased recognition among justice institutions and actors of how stigma, myths, and misconceptions about CRSV affect the progress of CRSV cases; (2) improved use by justice institutions and actors of indicators, assessment, and tools to measure and monitor the levels and impact of stigma and improve work procedures and practice on CRSV cases; and (3) increased reporting by participating survivors (including women, men, boys, and girls), ensuring their voices are being heard and contributing to change.

Results achieved as of March 2024 include: (1) produced 16 publications, capturing key findings and insights from Managing Exits from Armed Conflict’s (MEAC’s) research and analysis; and (2) organized 10 presentations and events to disseminate these findings to stakeholders, fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange on monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning in peacekeeping contexts.