"Lessons from Bosnian War: Addressing Sexual Violence in Ukraine Conflict"

A report by the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy warns that the world must learn from the mistakes made after the Bosnian war to prevent Ukrainian victims of rape and conflict-related sexual violence from enduring decades of trauma. Ukrainian prosecutors and independent investigators have gathered evidence suggesting that Russian troops are employing rape and sexual violence as part of their campaign of terror in Ukraine, similar to the tactics used by the Bosnian Serb army in the 1990s. The report emphasizes the need to prioritize the victims in Ukraine and ensure their inclusion and support, as many survivors in Bosnia had to wait for years before coming forward and the majority of sexual crimes went unpunished. The report also highlights the importance of addressing biases and stigma surrounding sexual violence, including recognizing male victims and the often-forgotten children born of wartime rape. It calls for the prosecution of perpetrators on behalf of Ukraine and emphasizes the need for immediate assistance to victims, including psychological support, healthcare, and legal aid.