Towards Sustainable Peace: The Protection of Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights of Victims of Gender-Based Violence in Post-Conflict Settings

This paper addresses the urgent need to protect the economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) of gender-based violence (GBV) victims in post-conflict environments, highlighting a critical gap in transitional justice (TJ) practices. Prevailing TJ frameworks largely emphasise civil and political rights, often neglecting victim-centred, gender-sensitive approaches. This neglect leads to the underrepresentation of varied GBV forms, extending beyond sexual and reproductive harm, and fails to tackle the root causes of violence and exploitation. This research advocates for an expanded, inclusive TJ model that fundamentally incorporates ESCR protection in post-conflict settlements. It underscores the necessity of acknowledging the wide spectrum of GBV, including less-recognised forms that significantly impact victims’ health, education, and economic well-being. Moreover, the paper critically examines the disconnection between the recognised developmental role of TJ and the actual external support provided for empowering local communities. This discrepancy impedes the successful execution of initiatives aimed at upholding and promoting ESCR for GBV survivors. By proposing a more holistic TJ framework that encompasses ESCR, this paper contributes to the discourse on achieving sustainable peace. It stresses the importance of integrating gender-sensitive methodologies into larger societal rebuilding efforts, placing the needs and rights of GBV survivors at the forefront of post-conflict reconstruction. Such an approach not only addresses immediate injustices but also lays the groundwork for enduring peace and sustainable development, rooted in a comprehensive respect for and realisation of all human rights.