Attorneys general support prosecutions of rape in conflicts
The attorneys general of 5 countries pledge to support prosecutions of rape and sexual violence in war.
Attorneys General, left to right Mark Dreyfus, Rob Nicholson, Chris Finlayson, Eric Holder, Dominic Grieve
Attorneys general of Canada, Australia, United States, New Zealand and England and Wales have resolved to work together more closely to fight sexual violence against women and children.
At yesterday’s annual Quintet meeting of attorneys general in Auckland, they also affirmed the declaration made by G8 Foreign Ministers that rape and other forms of serious sexual violence in international armed conflict are war crimes and also constitute grave breaches as defined in the Geneva Conventions and their first Protocol.
The special topic for discussion at the Quintet was developments and best practice with respect to prosecuting crimes of sexual violence against women and children.
The attorneys general recognised the seriousness and prevalence of crimes of sexual violence against women and children, and noted the challenges associated with prosecuting crimes of sexual violence against women and children and the importance of a coordinated and multifaceted approach, from investigation through to prosecution.
Dominic Grieve QC MP said:
The prosecution of those guilty of rape and sexual violence is a priority for the UK. Recent data from the CPS on rape prosecutions show that the conviction rate has risen to the highest on record.
With this agreement today, we have strengthened international resolve to work together to bring to justice those who commit these terrible crimes.
Recognising the evolving challenges in the area, the Quintet agreed to share best practices, research and evaluation of legislation, support programmes for complainants and witnesses; and prevention measures.
They also recognised the benefits of sharing information on approaches to address historic claims of sexual assault, and the practical advantages of comparing how courts have dealt with fair trial rights and efforts to support complainants and witnesses giving testimony in sexual cases.
The attorneys general in particular agreed to share information on the above topics as it relates to the impact of sexual violence on indigenous and immigrant communities.
Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom are members of the G8, which made the perpetration of sexual violence against women in wartime a central issue. Australia and New Zealand are not members.
The Quintet also discussed a range of other topics including:
- strengthening cooperation in civil and commercial matters
- support for victims of crime
- proceeds of crime
- technology advancements in the courts, and how prosecutors are working with new technology
- judicial appointments
- gun violence in Quintet countries
Background
The Quintet is an annual meeting of attorneys general to share experience in dealing with complex and cross-border legal issues
The attendees were:
- Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP – Attorney General, England and Wales ;
- Hon Rob Nicholson PC QC MP – Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Canada;
- Hon Eric H. Holder, Jr – Attorney General, United States of America;
- Hon Mark Dreyfus QC MP – Attorney General, Australia;
- Hon Christopher Finlayson QC MP – Attorney General, New Zealand.