Law relating to women in armed conflict with special reference to India and Ukraine

Abstract

Armed conflicts have profound legal and humanitarian implications, disproportionately affecting civilians, particularly women, who face increased vulnerability to war crimes and systemic human rights violations by both state and non-state actors. The susceptibility of women in conflict zones necessitates comprehensive legal protections to mitigate the risks of gender-based violence, forced displacement, and structural discrimination. Over the past century, International legal frameworks have progressively evolved to provide safeguards for women in wartime, encapsulated in treaties, conventions, and legal instruments formulated by states and international institutions. These provisions encompass broad civilian protections while mandating equitable treatment for female combatants and specific safeguards against sexual violence, forced prostitution, and gender-targeted crimes. Despite these developments, persistent challenges remain in ensuring compliance, accountability, and effective implementation of legal provisions. Historically, the absence of humanitarian regulations in warfare contributed to egregious violations against civilians, particularly women, underscoring the necessity for a robust legal framework within International Humanitarian Law. This research examines the effectiveness of legal protections for women in armed conflict in India and Ukraine by analysing conventions, protocols, and jurisprudence to evaluate their implementation and enforcement. By assessing existing legal mechanisms and identifying structural deficiencies, this research shall propose suggestions for strengthening accountability frameworks, enhancing legal compliance, and ensuring the protection of women s rights in conflict zones under International Law. newline