Born of War
Protecting Children of Sexual Violence Survivors in Conflict Zones
Paperback: 978 1 56549 237 0
Price: $24.95  

Publisher: Kumarian Press
July 2007 , 288 pp., 6" x 9"
* Much has been written about women who have survived wartime sexual violence, but this is the first book to consider how to protect the children born as a result
* Presents case-studies integrating what is known about these children’s whereabouts, status, and needs in different country contexts, and theoretical essays considering the human security dimensions of this issue for the first time

Born of War examines the human rights of children born of wartime rape and sexual exploitation in conflict zones worldwide. Detailing the multiple impacts of armed conflict on these children's survival, protection and membership rights, the case studies suggest that these children constitute a particularly vulnerable category in conflict zones. They often face risks such as discrimination, infanticide, loss of health care, education and other rights guaranteed to all children under international law.

The contributors to this collection have the stated goal of using their research to advocate for greater consideration of this group in international human rights discourse and practice where their experiences have so far been ignored. A wide variety of case studies show that every community responds to these children in different ways. The exploration into why this is so reveals much that contemporary humanitarianism will find valuable.

Other Contributors: Eunice Apio, Giulia Baldi, Marie Consolée Mukangendo, Joana Daniel, Debra DeLaet, Michael Goodhart, Susan Harris Rimmer, Megan MacKenzie, Siobhán McEvoy-Levy, Julie Mertus, Patricia Weitsman.

Table of Contents:
1) Gender, Ethnicity and Children’s Human Rights: Theorizing Babies Born of Wartime Rape and Sexual Exploitation; 2) Children Born of War Rape in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Convention on the Rights of the Child; 3) Rwanda: Children Born of Genocidal Rape; 4) "Orphans" or Veterans? Justice for Children in East Timor; 5) Silent Identities in Sierra Leone; 6) Uganda’s Forgotten ‘Children of War’; 7) The Politics of Identity; 8) Theorizing Justice for Children Born of War; 9) Children Born of Wartime Rape and Human Rights Culture; 10) Key Ethical Inquiries for Future Research; 11) Children Born of War and Human Rights: Philosophical Reflections; 12) Conclusion: Protecting Children Born of War


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Reviews & Endorsements:
"This book sheds light on a serious human security concern that persists despite the abundance of international legal instruments designed to protect children who by accident of birth happen to be in conflict zones. This excellently edited volume, with its rich case studies and thoughtful recommendations, is a cutting edge work that will attract the interest of academics and policymakers working in the humanitarian field."
- Dr. W. Andy Knight, Professor, International Relations, University of Alberta and Director, Children and Armed Conflict project
"Born of War is an important and unique book which anyone interested in children's rights should put on their required reading list. This multidisciplinary volume is an invaluable resource for students as well as scholars interested in learning more about the role of gender, ethnicity and gross violations of children's human rights."
- Dr. Joyce Apsel, Master Teacher of Humanities, New York University and former president, International Association of Genocide Scholars