NEWS

Combating sexual violence in times of War: Interview with Céline Bardet

7 March 2025 • NEWS

Interview with Céline Bardet, international criminal lawyer and investigator specialising in war crimes, international crimes, post-conflict justice, and security issues. For nearly 20 years, she has worked in over 80 countries, called upon by prestigious organisations such as the European Union, INTERPOL, and the United Nations to provide her expertise on matters of justice and security. A witness to the increasing use of rape as a weapon of war and its systematic deployment in conflict zones, along with the prevailing impunity, the lack of adequate responses on the ground, and the scarcity of accessible services for survivors in distress, she decided to create the NGO We Are NOT Weapons of War (WWoW) in 2014.

We Are NOT Weapons of War (WWoW) is dedicated to the fight against sexual violence in conflict around the world, using innovative and creative legal approaches to provide a global, holistic, and effective response to the endemic use of rape in fragile environments.

WWoW has developed Back Up, a secure mobile platform that allows survivors to report incidents and access medical, psychosocial, and legal services more easily. The tool also enables anyone, anywhere in the world, to store and transmit documents and evidence securely, helping to accelerate justice processes and combat impunity.

WWoW also leads global advocacy on sexual violence in conflict and supports survivors in rebuilding their lives.

How do you engage international and local communities in the fight against sexual violence in times of war?

WWoW mobilises against sexual violence in times of war through advocacy with international institutions such as the UN and the EU, aiming to influence public policy. In France, the NGO works in partnership with the government, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and bodies such as the National Assembly and the High Council for Gender Equality. It also contributes to strategic documents such as the Feminist Diplomacy framework and the National Humanitarian Strategy. At the international level, WWoW provides expertise for UN Security Council resolutions and the Commission on the Status of Women. The organisation also collaborates with the office of the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict. Locally, WWoW works alongside activists and civil society organisations on the ground.

How is the application of international humanitarian law (IHL) affected by the evolution of modern conflicts?

The application of international humanitarian law (IHL) is shaped not only by the evolution of modern conflicts but also by broader societal changes.

While conflicts may appear more numerous today, it is above all the mass dissemination of information, particularly via the internet and social media that makes them more visible.

Originally reinforced after the Second World War to protect civilians, IHL now faces new challenges. Contemporary conflicts are often internal or cross-border such as in the Sahel, the DRC, or Myanmar, and involve both state and non-state actors. The rise in humanitarian crises, particularly those linked to climate change, is further intensifying violence.

Advancements in technology have improved the documentation of war crimes, with civilians capturing images on the ground, although verifying such material remains a major challenge. The increasing urbanisation of warfare makes it harder to distinguish between combatants and civilians, thereby complicating the enforcement of IHL. However, since the 1990s, the establishment of international criminal tribunals and the International Criminal Court in 2002 has marked significant progress in the fight against impunity.

Lastly, disinformation amplified by social media and artificial intelligence, hinders fact-checking and fuels propaganda wars, adding yet another layer of difficulty to the implementation of IHL.

What are the obstacles to gathering evidence of war crimes?

Gathering evidence of war crimes faces several challenges, depending in part on the type of violation. Sexual violence is among the hardest to prove due to the lack of material evidence and delays in victims’ access to medical care.

One of the main difficulties is accessing conflict zones, although documentation has improved thanks to mobile phones, journalists, and video footage. However, an image or video can only serve as evidence if it is authenticated: its origin must be established, its integrity verified, and it must be placed in context by cross-checking multiple sources.

First-hand witness testimonies are vital but must be corroborated by other elements to be admissible. Indirect testimonies, while useful, are only considered evidence if confirmed by direct sources or material proof.

Beyond evidence gathering, what are the main obstacles to prosecuting perpetrators of war crimes at the international level?

One of the main obstacles to prosecuting war crimes is identifying the perpetrators. Even when a crime is proven, it is necessary to establish the direct responsibility of the individuals involved. Once identified, arresting them presents another challenge, as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and INTERPOL do not have their own enforcement forces and rely on national police authorities to carry out arrest warrants.

Another major obstacle is political will. The arrest of those responsible, particularly high-ranking officials or heads of state depends on the cooperation of the states concerned and the members of the ICC. The cases of Putin and Netanyahu highlight this highly political dimension, where geostrategic and economic interests heavily influence the implementation of international justice.

What role do technologies (such as mobile apps or databases) play in documenting war crimes?

The evolution of both conflicts and technology has opened up new opportunities to protect victims and document war crimes. As a pioneer in this field, I developed BackUp, a tool that allows survivors to report incidents, secure their evidence and testimonies, and access support without putting themselves at risk.

Available in local languages, BackUp is gradually rolled out through grassroots partners, including former victims who have become peer supporters. In doing so, it not only aids survivors in their recovery but also enables them to become guides and pillars for others.

BackUp also serves as an information tool: users can either report a crime or access resources about their rights, evidence preservation, and the support services available to them.

Finally, an advanced version is currently in development for activists and organisations. Using artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, it ensures the integrity of the data and cross-checks testimonies with other public sources to strengthen the documentation of crimes.

What are the next steps to ensure that international law truly protects women?

The real challenge is no longer so much the development of international law, which is already well established, but a profound shift in attitudes towards women’s rights, their role in society, and gender equality. There is still a long fight ahead to have sexual violence recognised as a mass crime, whether in times of peace or conflict.

The urgent need today is for states and donors to provide financial support to NGOs like mine which, despite their modest size, have a global impact. Resources must match both the needs and the scale of the work being done.

It is also vital to rethink development funding policies, which too often favour large NGOs with rigid practices. It is time to invest in smaller, more agile and more effective actors who are better equipped to address today’s challenges.

For four decades, Groupe SOS has been welcoming, housing, and supporting thousands of vulnerable women through its social and medico-social services. As a leading organisation in the field of asylum and integration in France, we are committed to providing safe, dignified, and tailored support.

Every day, our dedicated professionals work alongside women who are particularly at risk of violence. Understanding the trauma they may have faced — in their country of origin, during their journey, and even after arrival — is essential to offering them the care and support they truly need.

Groupe SOS’ proposals to protect and support women in exile

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