Developed by the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (OSRSG-SVC), this resource provides model legislative provisions, legal guidance, and a model indictment to support the investigation and prosecution of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. It benefited from the work of Maxine Marcus and Kathy Roberts, Co-Directors of Partners in Justice International (“PJI”) who were its lead drafters. Working under the auspices of and in close collaboration with the OSRSG-SVC, the drafting team consulted with experts, practitioners, and litigators both inside and outside the UN system, as well as directly with victims and survivors.
Drawing on international law, comparative national practice, and survivor-centred approaches, this document helps States strengthen legal frameworks, improve accountability, protect victims and witnesses, and advance access to justice. The guidance is intended for legislators, prosecutors, investigators, judges, legal practitioners, international organizations, and civil society actors working to combat impunity for conflict-related sexual violence.