ABSTRACT
In order to challenge sexual violence crimes in conflict, international actors determined implementation of the rule of law (i.e. legal standards have prominence in the life of civil society and state) as one of the main strategies. Since the implementation of the rule of law is prioritized by international actors to challenge sexual violence crimes in conflict, the law regarding these crimes becomes the main vehicle through which accountability and justice is framed and ensured. Additionally, several UN organizations and international and local NGOs provide sensitization in an attempt to partially remove obstacles to access to justice by raising awareness around sexual violence crimes and the formal legal system. The similar lack of engagement with gendered power relations in the definition of these crimes at international level is reflected in the international assistance provided to challenge them in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
