January 3, 2013

This document suggests ways in which the United Kingdom can engage in discussions with the International Committee of the Red Cross to ensure that girls and women impregnated by war rape are ensured access to safe abortion services in ICRC humanitarian medical settings.

Excerpt:

By not regarding abortions as part of necessary medical care for women impregnated by war rape, the ICRC disregards the rights of these women under IHL and undermines the integrity of IHL. Further, the ICRC's erroneous deference to national law to determine health care needs of girls and women raped in war results in the nullification of the inalienable and non-derogable rights of war victims to medical care. The UK can and should engage in a constructive dialogue with the ICRC regarding their position on abortion for victims of war rape.