In this section on “History and Frameworks” the developments over the years in terms of legal and policy initiatives to prevent, end and address CRSV are discussed. It includes the developments on the legal level (in international law, international criminal law, national criminal law, international humanitarian law, international human rights law, including obligations of States) and the policy level (i.e. United Nations Security Council Resolutions, Sustainable Development Goals, Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative).

The increased attention to prevent, end and address CRSV can be witnessed on both the international and national legal and policy levels. Below follows the main events in how this increased attention came about.

This short historical overview on the development of CRSV from both the legal and policy levels shows that a lot has been accomplished, and that there is still much more to do.